The UN humanitarian agency has expressed concern over a worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan, citing new restrictions on women and girls, violence against Herat protesters and civilian casualties from recent Pakistan cross-border airstrikes.
In an update released Thursday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was alarmed by reports of increasing restrictions imposed on women and girls, as well as the recent escalation in hostilities between Taliban and Pakistan.
The agency pointed to reports that dozens of women and girls were detained in Herat after Taliban announced stricter enforcement of existing dress-code requirements in public spaces. According to OCHA, those detained included several healthcare workers.
The detentions sparked protests in Herat earlier this week, drawing international condemnation.
Citing the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), OCHA said a child was killed and several others were injured on Tuesday, June 9, when Taliban security forces reportedly used live ammunition and force to disperse demonstrators protesting the arrests.
UNAMA has previously confirmed that at least one boy was killed during the protest and said it was verifying reports of a second fatality.
“The de facto authorities are obliged under international law to uphold the rights of all Afghans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, liberty and security of person,” UNAMA said earlier this week.
OCHA reiterated its call for an environment in which all Afghans, particularly women and girls, can move freely and safely access essential services and humanitarian assistance.
The agency emphasized that women remain essential to humanitarian operations across Afghanistan, particularly in healthcare, nutrition, education and protection services.
“Women play a critical role in the ongoing humanitarian response,” OCHA said, adding that security forces should avoid any unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters.
The agency also expressed concern over renewed cross-border violence following airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan.
UNAMA said that 13 civilians were killed in Pakistan airstrikes in Kunar, Khost and Paktika provinces.
Pakistan confirmed carrying out airstrikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, claiming the operation targeted militant hideouts and killed 26 militants. Pakistani officials said the strikes were conducted in response to recent attacks inside Pakistan and denied targeting civilians.
The latest incidents come amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Taliban. Pakistan has repeatedly said the Taliban have provided sanctuary to TTP militants, allegations the Taliban reject.
OCHA called on all parties to comply with international human rights and humanitarian law and stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.
“The UN calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law,” the agency said, “and stresses that civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected.”
