UN Urged to Act Against Violence Towards Women in Afghanistan Detention

The acting head of Afghanistan’s representation at the United Nations has called for urgent and serious action from international bodies in response to documented reports of sexual and physical violence against women detained for alleged improper hijab practices.

Uncovering the Reality of Violence in Herat Province

Afghanistan’s permanent mission to the United Nations has shed light on distressing and grim realities faced by women and girls in detention. Nasir Ahmad FaIQ, the acting representative, stated that credible documents and evidence reveal that many women and young girls have been subjected to severe physical violence and sexual assaults during their detention under the pretext of dress code violations by security forces. This situation has prompted UN experts to react, highlighting the urgent need for action.

This senior diplomatic figure characterized such actions as blatant abuse of power and misuse of official authority during an official statement. He emphasized that the release of these details has sparked deep concern, shock, and profound regret among human rights circles and the international community, and remaining silent on this issue is unacceptable.

The Role of Intelligence and Morality Enforcement Officials in the Atrocities of Herat Province

According to data presented in these reports, a significant portion of arbitrary detentions and inhumane treatment occurs in various provinces of the country, particularly in Herat. Local documents indicate that some officials from the intelligence agency and staff from the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice have exceeded their legal limits, misusing their absolute powers to systematically subjugate and harass detained women. As documented in reports about escalating arrests in Herat, concerns over women’s rights and safety are rising rapidly in the region.

The acting representative in New York stressed that these cases cannot be concealed and insisted that the documented reports require immediate attention, independent efforts from legal authorities, and serious actions at high international levels to hold those responsible for these inhumane behaviors accountable.