The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it is «deeply concerned» about the arrests and detentions of women and girls by the Taliban authorities. UNAMA reported this in a press release dated 8 October, which also mentions threats of arrest in various parts of the country.
According to UNAMA, at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Herat and Kabul between July and September 2026. Other women were threatened with arrest. The mission stresses that the actual number of cases could be significantly higher, as many of those affected do not report incidents for fear of their safety.
The detentions were linked to alleged violations of the Taliban's dress requirements. Women were detained for not wearing a chadari, not covering their hair, wearing brightly coloured headscarves or using cosmetics. Another reason was appearing in a public place without a mahram. Under Islamic law, the term refers to a male guardian, such as a father, brother, son or husband, with whom a woman may travel and be outside the home. All those detained were released after several hours.
UNAMA also expressed alarm over cases of verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women, including shop owners. The mission recalled that such actions violate the rights of women and girls to freedom of movement, self-expression and personal autonomy. In addition, arrests and detentions subject them to severe social stigmatisation and lead to further marginalisation.
UNAMA called on the Taliban authorities to end the discriminatory practice against women and girls. The mission demanded respect for the rights and dignity of all Afghans and compliance with Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights law.
