KABUL: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned of escalating restrictions and human rights abuses under Taliban rule, saying women and girls continue to face severe limitations on their freedoms alongside rising arbitrary detentions and public punishments.
In its latest report covering April to June 2026, UNAMA documented arrests of women over alleged violations of dress rules, restrictions on movement without a male guardian and continued exclusion from education and employment.
The report said at least 30 women were arrested in Herat in June for what authorities described as “improper hijab”. During the same period, local businesses and health facilities in several areas were instructed not to admit women unless accompanied by a male guardian.
UNAMA also reported that women remained barred from entering UN premises across Afghanistan, including as staff, contractors or visitors, while girls continued to be excluded from universities. It noted that only male candidates participated in nationwide university entrance examinations held in May and June.
Beyond restrictions on women, the report documented 389 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention and 65 incidents of ill-treatment by officials responsible for enforcing morality regulations.
ALSO READ: Why Domestic Challenges to Afghan Taliban Regime Are Growing?
The UN mission said at least 137 judicial corporal punishments, including public floggings, were carried out during the reporting period for offences such as breaking the Ramadan fast and engaging in illicit relationships.
The report also expressed concern over the treatment of former Afghan security personnel, documenting arrests, torture and killings, as well as restrictions affecting religious minorities, including members of the Ismaili and Shia communities.
UNAMA urged continued international attention to the human rights situation, warning that restrictions on fundamental freedoms continue to deepen across Afghanistan.
