Topic overview
In brief
- Women in Herat were detained by the Taliban's morality police despite wearing hijabs.
- Residents report increased fear among women due to harassment and intimidation.
- The Taliban's actions reflect a broader trend of escalating restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan.
Summary
In Afghanistan, particularly in the city of Herat, the Taliban has intensified its enforcement of strict dress codes for women, leading to the detention of several females who were compliant with the hijab requirement. Reports indicate that women are increasingly fearful of leaving their homes due to the harassment they face from the Taliban's morality police. A resident of Herat noted that women are being detained and subjected to psychological abuse, with no one listening to their plight. This situation reflects a broader trend of escalating restrictions on women's rights since the Taliban regained control in August 2021.
The Taliban's return to power has been marked by a series of edicts that severely limit the freedoms of women and girls. These restrictions include bans on secondary and university education, limitations on employment opportunities, and increasingly stringent regulations governing women's appearance and movement in public spaces. The UN Human Rights chief, Volker Türk, has highlighted the detrimental impact of these policies on the Afghan population, particularly on women and girls, stating that the authorities have effectively criminalized their presence in public life.