UNAMA Confirms One Death During Protest in Herat

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that one person was killed during the Taliban’s suppression of protests in the Jebrael area of Herat. The mission said it is also reviewing reports of a second death linked to the incident.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (10 June), UNAMA expressed concern over the detention of at least 30 women in Herat city. The mission also said it is concerned about the excessive use of force by Taliban security personnel against protesters in Jebrael.

According to the statement, Taliban morality officials and police detained women in Herat on 6 and 7 June, apparently for failing to comply with the group’s dress requirements.

UNAMA added that dozens of other women received warnings by telephone. According to the mission, the detained women were released on 8 June, but such arrests can have serious consequences for women and their families.

The mission said a number of protesters were injured during the suppression of the Jebrael protest after being beaten, including with sticks. UNAMA stressed that people have the right to express their views peacefully and without fear of violence, intimidation or retaliation.

Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Acting Head of UNAMA, said that the detention of a woman in Afghanistan carries a “significant stigma” and can expose women to further violence and isolation even after their release.

Ms Gagnon added that under international law, the Taliban are obligated to protect the rights of all Afghans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, liberty and security of person, and protection from arbitrary detention.

UNAMA stressed that all law enforcement measures must comply with internationally recognised human rights standards, including the principles of necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.

The mission once again called on the Taliban to revoke all policies and practices that restrict the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and men in Afghanistan. In this regard, UNAMA referred to restrictions on freedom of movement, freedom of expression, education, employment and participation in public life.

The statement comes as residents of the Jebrael area of Herat took to the streets on Tuesday (9 June) to protest the Taliban’s detention of women over their clothing. The Taliban suppressed the protest with gunfire and beatings.