Afghan women facing arrest for dress code violations: UN
In recent months, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have arrested or detained dozens of women for alleged violations of dress codes and for appearing in public without a male guardian.
Between July and September of 2026, at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Herat and Kabul, Afghanistan, for alleged violations of the strict dress code imposed by the Taliban government, according to a statement from the United Nations. The women were detained for not wearing a chador, showing visible hair, wearing colorful scarves or makeup, or being in public without a mahram, a male chaperone.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed grave concern over the arrests, stating that they violated women's and girls' rights to freedom of movement, expression, and autonomy. The detentions also put the women at risk of severe social stigma in traditional Afghan society. In June, a rare protest in Herat over these arrests turned violent, resulting in at least one death and several injuries.
Since the Taliban took power in 2021, they have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, banning them from attending school beyond primary level and limiting their dress and mobility. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban officials for crimes against humanity, but the Taliban has rejected the decision, labeling it a political violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
