The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Monday called on the Taliban to reverse policies that restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls, following a wave of arrests in Kabul linked to what the Taliban call violations of their dress code.
UNAMA said it is deeply concerned by recent detentions of women and girls by Taliban between July 16 to 19 in Kabul “due to their alleged non-compliance with the (Taliban) de facto authorities’ hijab instructions”.
“These incidents serve to further isolate women and girls, contribute to a climate of fear, and erode public trust,” the statement said.
UNAMA confirmed that it had reached out to Taliban officials for clarification and additional information regarding the detentions.
Local sources say dozens of women and girls have been detained over the past week in central and western neighborhoods of Kabul. Taliban authorities have not publicly commented on the reports.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on Afghan women, including bans on secondary and university education, public employment, travel without a male guardian, and most forms of public life.
