The United Nations has expressed concern over reports that women in western Afghanistan have been arrested and detained for allegedly failing to comply with Taliban dress requirements.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was concerned by reports of "multiple arrests and detentions of women" in Herat province. While the UN did not provide figures, local media reported last week that at least 21 women and girls had been detained.
In a statement posted on X late on Sunday, UNAMA said the reported detentions raised "serious human rights concerns."
"We remind the de facto authorities that all people have the right to freedom of movement and that all persons, both women and men, are entitled to equality before the law," the mission said.
The reported arrests came after local media reported that Taliban authorities had issued a directive banning women from appearing in public without what was described as a "proper hijab."
According to those reports, women showing their faces or wearing make-up could face punitive measures. Reuters was unable to independently verify the directive.
The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported detentions or the alleged directive.
For many Afghan women, the reports have added to growing uncertainty about their place in public life. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has introduced wide-ranging restrictions affecting women and girls, including limits on education, employment and participation in sport.
The measures have drawn international criticism and concern from human rights groups.
In April, UNICEF warned that Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls' education and women's employment remain in force.
The Taliban has repeatedly said it respects women's rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment