Afghan women facing arrest for wearing makeup and alleged dress code violations, UN says
UNAMA said many were released after hours in detention, and the true number of cases may be higher because fear and stigma limit reporting.
- The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan verified at least 52 women and one girl arrested or detained in Herat and Kabul between July and September for alleged dress code violations, prompting UNAMA to express grave concern.
- Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban government imposed rules based on strict interpretation of Islamic law, with the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice enforcing requirements including full hijab, headscarf, long robe and face covering.
- Alleged violations included wearing colorful scarves or makeup, leaving hair visible or not wearing a chador; a June protest in Herat over arrests turned violent when authorities opened fire, killing at least one person.
- Beyond documented arrests, UNAMA reported verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women including female shopkeepers, with detentions exposing victims to severe social stigma; actual cases likely far exceed 52 due to underreporting.
- UNAMA urged Taliban authorities to cease targeting women and uphold international human rights obligations, as nearly 6.5 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan since 2023 facing acute reintegration barriers including 69% unemployment.
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18 Articles
Taliban Arrest Women for Dress Code Violations
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have arrested or detained dozens of women in recent months accused of violating dress codes and restrictions on appearing in public without a male Guardian, the United Nations mission in the country said Thursday. At least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Kabul...
THE UN MISSION in Afghanistan has reported the arrest of dozens of women for violating strict dress codes.
52 Women and One Girl Detained in Kabul and Herat, UNAMA Says
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Thursday that Taliban authorities detained or arrested at least 52 women and one girl in Kabul and Herat between July and September, warning that the actual number of cases could be significantly higher. UNAMA said it had verified the cases and expressed grave concern over recent […]
Associated Press News
Afghan women facing arrest for wearing makeup and alleged dress code violations, UN says
The Taliban has arrested dozens of women in Afghanistan in recent months for alleged dress code violations, the United Nations says.
In Kabul and Herat, 52 women were arrested in the short term, including due to alleged violations of dress regulations.
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