Taliban Arrest 30 Women for Violating Hijab Rules, UN Says

The Taliban have arrested at least 30 women in Afghanistan for allegedly violating strict dress code rules, according to UN Women. The arrests have sparked fear among women and girls and come amid growing opposition to Taliban restrictions on women's rights. Reports indicate protests erupted in Herat after the detentions, with UN Women alleging that security forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing at least two people and injuring more than 20 others. Taliban authorities have denied arresting women over dress code violations.

The Taliban have arrested at least 30 women in Afghanistan for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code regulations, according to the United Nations agency focused on women's rights.
UN Women said on Thursday that it was deeply concerned by the arrests, warning that the detentions have increased fear and uncertainty among women and girls across the country. The agency noted that the incident reflects the growing restrictions faced by women under Taliban rule.
The arrests come amid rising tensions over the treatment of women in Afghanistan. Last weekend, dozens of people reportedly took part in a rare public demonstration in the western city of Herat, protesting against policies enforced by Taliban authorities and calling for greater freedoms for women.
Details surrounding the protests remain difficult to verify independently due to limited access to information. However, local media reported that members of the Taliban's morality police, officially known as the Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, detained several women in the days leading up to the protests for allegedly failing to comply with hijab requirements.
Taliban officials have denied reports that women were arrested in connection with dress code violations. Nevertheless, the reports have drawn international attention and renewed concerns about women's rights in the country.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed a series of restrictions on women and girls. These measures include banning girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade and severely limiting women's access to employment, education and public life. International organizations and rights groups have repeatedly criticized the policies, arguing that they undermine fundamental freedoms.
According to local reports, the Herat protests were sparked by the detention of women who opposed the mandatory dress code, which requires women to be fully covered in public, leaving only their eyes visible.
Videos shared on social media, although unverified, appeared to show armed Taliban officials dispersing demonstrators. The footage suggested that fully veiled women were among those taking part in the protest.
In its statement, UN Women alleged that Taliban security forces opened fire while breaking up the demonstration. The agency said men, women and children were among those targeted during the incident.
At least two people, including a young boy, were reportedly killed, while more than 20 others sustained injuries. The reported casualties have intensified concerns about the use of force against civilians participating in public demonstrations.
Herat, widely regarded as one of Afghanistan's cultural and artistic hubs, was among the first major cities to fall to the Taliban during their takeover of the country in 2021. The city has since become a symbol of the ongoing struggle over civil liberties and women's rights in Afghanistan.
Human rights advocates continue to urge the Taliban to ease restrictions on women and uphold basic freedoms, while international organizations have called for greater protection of women's rights and their full participation in Afghan society.