Source: UN News. Text reproduced with attribution.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has verified that at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Kabul and Herat between July and September for alleged violations of the Taliban's dress code.

According to the mission, the actual number of detentions could be significantly higher, as fear and social stigma prevent many cases from being reported.

Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has severely restricted the rights of women and girls, barring them from secondary education, most employment opportunities, and public life.

UNAMA reported that the recent arrests were linked to alleged violations of dress code requirements enforced by the de facto authorities. Many of the women were detained for not wearing a chador, having visible hair, wearing colorful scarves or makeup, or being in public without a mahram (male guardian).

“The women were released after spending several hours in detention,” the mission stated.

Expressing alarm over incidents involving verbal abuse, physical beatings, and threats against women—including female shopkeepers—UNAMA reiterated that these actions violate women's and girls' rights to freedom of movement, expression, and autonomy. The mission also warned that arrests and detentions expose women and girls to severe social stigma and further marginalization.

UNAMA urged the de facto authorities to halt discriminatory enforcement practices, respect the human rights and dignity of all Afghans, and uphold Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights law.

Simultaneously, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released new findings detailing the critical needs and reintegration barriers faced by nearly 6.5 million Afghans who have returned from Iran and Pakistan since 2023.

“Afghanistan is receiving returnees at a scale and pace that requires sustained support beyond the point of arrival,” said Mihyung Park, the IOM chief of mission in Afghanistan. "The findings show that many returnees intend to stay and rebuild their lives, but their ability to do so depends on access to livelihoods, safe shelter, documentation and essential services alongside support for the communities receiving them."

The IOM's Returnee Resilience Overview examined the conditions of undocumented returnee households and individual returnees who had been back in Afghanistan for at least eight months.

Key findings from the report include: Education and Employment: Among returnees aged 14 and older, 53 percent had not completed any education, half had no specialized work experience, and 69 percent had not been employed in the 30 days prior to being interviewed. Household Demographics: 82 percent returned as part of a household, with an average family size of 6.1 members. Additionally, 58 percent of the returnees were under the age of 18. Housing: 77 percent were living in transitional shelters, and 51 percent lacked sufficient living space. Documentation: Only 21 percent of household respondents reported that all family members possessed documentation, while 43 percent lacked the necessary documentation to access essential services.

The IOM emphasized that support for returnees must extend far beyond their initial arrival. The UN migration agency called for sustained investment in durable, area-based reintegration approaches that strengthen livelihoods, shelter, documentation support, and access to basic services for both returnees and host communities to foster long-term stability and social cohesion.