Afghan UN mission reports arbitrary detentions, ill-treatment by Taliban

In July through September of this year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that the Taliban's morality police arbitrarily detained a staggering 443 individuals, while 97 others endured ill-treatment in connection with alleged rule violations. These offenses stemmed from breaches of guidelines on women's hijabs, restrictions on beards and hairstyles, mandatory prayer attendance, and bans on music.

Five years ago, when the Taliban reasserted control over Afghanistan following the US and allied forces' withdrawal, they vowed to implement a more lenient governance style compared to the oppressive rule of the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, human rights organizations argue that these pledges proved fleeting, with the subsequent imposition of stringent limitations on women and girls' rights.

The report also documented four fatalities and 14 arbitrary arrests of former Afghan security force members, despite the promise of a general amnesty following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. A spokesperson for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, dismissed these findings, asserting that the detentions were lawful and accusing UNAMA of spreading propaganda against the government.

According to UNAMA, the quarter saw 13 civilian deaths due to cross-border incidents, alongside 20 injuries. Furthermore, the mission reported the suspension of multiple media outlets, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women who are still prohibited from accessing UN premises.