UN human rights experts in Geneva have warned that the Taliban’s decree on the “separation of spouses” legitimises child marriage and blocks women and girls from leaving abusive relationships.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that increasing Taliban restrictions on women and girls are further limiting their access to vital and life-saving services.
Residents of Herat awoke on Friday, June 12, to find hundreds of Taliban fighters deployed across the city with light and heavy military equipment, including tanks.
Taliban forces on Friday, June 12, dispersed a peaceful march by a group of Herat residents.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Farhan Haq said Taliban forces used live ammunition to disperse a civil protest in Herat. He urged the Taliban to refrain from any unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrations.
The World Liberty Congress has condemned the detention of women in Herat and the violent treatment of protesters, describing the actions as part of the Taliban’s broader policy of suppressing women and dissent.
Sources told Afghanistan International that a Hazara woman was detained by Taliban morality police in Kabul three days ago after leaving her home to do routine shopping. She was reportedly taken away in a government vehicle to an unknown location.
Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has expressed concern over the excessive use of force against protesters in Herat. He called for de-escalation, respect for freedom of expression and accountability for those responsible for violence.
Multiple sources in Herat told Afghanistan International that the wave of arrests targeting women continued Sunday, with Taliban authorities detaining eight women in the Jebrail area as part of an operation against those accused of violating the group’s dress code requirements.
The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat has warned that women who appear in public without complying with the group’s prescribed dress code, including those showing their faces or wearing make-up, will face action.
The United Arab Emirates has stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls, and called for their access to education, employment and equal participation in society.
The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan says his office has verified cases of sexual violence allegedly committed by Taliban officials, primarily in detention centres. Victims interviewed included women and girls, as well as men and boys.
Norway says the Taliban must uphold Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations and end discrimination against women and girls.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed grave concern over a new regulation on the separation of spouses issued by the Taliban. UNAMA said the decree represents another step in the erosion of the rights of women and girls.
Amnesty International said global executions in 2025 reached their highest level in 44 years, with the Taliban carrying out six executions in Afghanistan.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed serious concern over the Taliban’s detention of at least three journalists on “unspecified charges”.
Medical sources in Kandahar told Afghanistan International that Taliban morality police detained two doctors for treating female patients without a male guardian in private clinics in the city.
UNHCR says Afghan refugee children in Pakistan live in deprivation due to lack of identity documents and fear of deportation, with 77 percent out of school, according to a new report.
The Parliament of Catalonia has condemned “structural discrimination” and “systematic violence” against Hazaras in Afghanistan, urging independent investigations and support for Hazara refugees.
Afghanistan International has obtained a document showing the Taliban have removed the Directorate of Human Rights and Women’s International Affairs from the Foreign Ministry. Officials confirmed the letter’s authenticity on Monday.
Findings by the Women and Children Research and Advocacy Network show about 95% of women avoid legal cases due to distrust of the Taliban-controlled justice system, while 65% report negative court experiences.
The Taliban Justice Ministry says a new law on preachers has been published after approval by Hibatullah Akhundzada, requiring religious preachers to follow the Hanafi school of Islam.