ISLAMABAD: The Taliban's morality police arbitrarily detained 389 people across Afghanistan between April 1 and June 30, primarily for alleged violations of the group's dress code, Western-style beard trimming, and playing or listening to music, according to a new report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Released on Tuesday, the report says another 65 people were subjected to mistreatment by officials of the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice during the same period.
UNAMA also documented the detention of at least 30 women in Herat for allegedly failing to comply with the Taliban's mandatory dress code, underscoring what it describes as expanding restrictions on women's rights.
Public floggings continue
The UN report says the Taliban continued to carry out corporal punishment in public despite repeated international criticism.
According to UNAMA, 137 people, including 112 men and 25 women, were publicly flogged across Afghanistan during the three-month reporting period after being convicted by Taliban courts of various offenses.
The United Nations has repeatedly called on the Taliban to end corporal punishment, saying such practices violate international human rights standards.
Former security personnel still targeted
Despite the Taliban's announcement of a general amnesty after taking power in 2021, UNAMA says former members of Afghanistan's security forces continue to face reprisals.
The report documents the killing of eight former Afghan security personnel between April and June.
It also records 29 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention involving former government officials and members of the former security forces.
The UN says these incidents raise continuing concerns about the implementation of the Taliban's amnesty pledge.
Women face deepening restrictions
UNAMA says women and girls remain disproportionately affected by Taliban policies restricting their rights and freedoms.
The report points to continued enforcement of strict dress regulations, restrictions on movement without a male guardian, and barriers to education, employment, and participation in public life.
It says women accused of violating the dress code continue to face arbitrary arrest and detention.
The UN warns that these measures are further eroding women's fundamental rights and limiting their role in Afghan society.
Media and civic space under pressure
The report also highlights continuing restrictions on freedom of expression and independent media.
UNAMA says journalists and media workers continue to face arrests, intimidation, and increasing operational restrictions, while broader limitations on civil liberties and access to justice remain in place.
UN calls for accountability
UNAMA urges the Taliban authorities to end arbitrary detentions, halt corporal punishment, protect fundamental freedoms, and ensure accountability for human rights violations.
The report adds to growing international concern over Afghanistan's human rights situation, with the United Nations warning that restrictions on basic freedoms continue to deepen nearly five years after the Taliban returned to power.
