The Afghan government has arrested 52 women and one girl in the cities of Herat and Kabul in recent months due to violations of strict dress code laws. This information was released in a statement by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). These arrests occurred between July and September 2026 and reflect the severity of social and cultural restrictions against women in the country.
Reasons for the Arrests and Concerns
These women were arrested for not adhering to the burqa (a garment that covers the entire body), having visible hair, wearing colorful shawls or makeup, and also for being in public places without a male guardian. UNAMA has stated that these women were released after a few hours of detention, but it has warned about the high number of arrests that may be underreported.
Social and Legal Consequences
UNAMA is deeply concerned about these arrests, detentions, and related threats. The agency emphasized that these actions violate the rights of women and girls to freedom of movement, expression, and autonomy, exposing them to severe social harms in Afghanistan's traditional society. Additionally, in June, Afghan officials fired on a protest in Herat that was held against the arrest of women, resulting in at least one death and several injuries.
Since the Taliban came to power in 2021, the group has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including a ban on education beyond primary levels and strict limitations on dress and movement. Women are required to wear full coverings in public, including a headscarf, long clothing, and face coverings. These laws are enforced by the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Recent Developments and Reactions
In the past week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued four arrest warrants for senior Taliban officials, accusing them of committing crimes against humanity for systematically depriving Afghan women and girls of their rights. However, the Taliban rejected this decision, calling it a political violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty.
The recent arrests and restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan have drawn global attention to serious human rights issues in the country, calling for serious actions from the international community to support the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
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