July 22, 2025 – Kabul / Geneva
The United Nations has voiced deep concern over a rising number of arrests targeting Afghan women and girls for allegedly violating the strict Islamic dress code enforced by the Taliban, who returned to power in 2021.
According to Euronews, the UN Mission in Afghanistan stated that these incidents contribute to the increasing marginalization of women and girls, foster a climate of fear, and erode public trust.
“These incidents further isolate women and girls, contribute to a climate of fear, and undermine societal trust,” the UN said in an official statement. However, the organization did not disclose specific data regarding the number, age, or whereabouts of those detained.
The UN has urged the Taliban authorities to immediately reverse policies and practices that restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls — including the ongoing ban on education beyond the sixth grade.
Taliban officials were not available for comment regarding the arrests or allegations of human rights violations.
The latest crackdown adds to growing international outrage over the group’s systematic suppression of women’s rights, despite earlier promises to govern more moderately.
