UN Experts React to Taliban’s Repressive Dress Code Enforcement in Afghanistan

Independent experts from the United Nations expressed concern over the Taliban’s strict enforcement of women’s dress codes in Afghanistan and condemned the actions of the so-called morality police towards women in Herat.

UN Concern Over Women’s Arrests Due to Dress Code

According to reports from India News Network, the experts stated that the arrest of women for their choice of clothing could amount to arbitrary detention and human rights violations. Since June 6, dozens of women and girls have been detained in Herat for allegedly failing to comply with the Taliban’s dress requirements. This issue has drawn significant attention, with human rights activists sounding the alarm on the repression faced by women in Afghanistan.

Recent Incidents in Herat and Protest Responses

Reports indicate that these individuals were arrested by Taliban forces for not wearing the hijab or burqa and for not adhering to the newly imposed dress regulations. Protests erupted in Herat on June 9 in response to these detentions and were met with force from Taliban security personnel. Eyewitness accounts provided to Agence France-Presse indicated that security forces used firearms to disperse the protesters.

Casualties Among Protesters

The UN statement noted that as a result of the events, at least two individuals have lost their lives, with over 20 others injured. In contrast, local Taliban officials have denied any claims of using weapons during the protests. The UN experts expressed their deep concern over the allegations of women’s detention for violating dress codes, labeling them as profoundly alarming. This ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for the international community’s response to protect women’s rights.

Upholding Women’s Rights and Condemning Violations of Human Dignity

The experts emphasized the importance of respecting fundamental human rights, including equality, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly. One case highlighted was the arrest of a female staff member from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Herat. The woman, who worked in the pediatric department, was detained while on her way to work and was released two days later upon signing a commitment letter.

Condemnation of Inhumane Actions in Afghanistan

MSF condemned the action and pointed out that Afghan women currently face numerous restrictions regarding mobility, employment, and participation in public life. According to new regulations from the Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue, women are required to cover nearly their entire body when leaving the house. Additionally, wearing makeup, showing hair, and even going without stockings have been prohibited. Officials from this ministry have warned that violations of these rules could lead to detention or imprisonment. The severity of these regulations has raised alarm among various organizations and observers worldwide, especially regarding issues like child marriage and women’s rights.

International Community’s Response to Women’s Rights Violations

These developments come at a time when the UN and international human rights organizations have repeatedly warned in recent years about the increasing restrictions against women and girls in Afghanistan, describing it as a sign of the systematic exclusion of women from public life and widespread violations of their fundamental rights.