UN human rights experts have expressed alarm over reports of excessive force used against demonstrators protesting restrictions on women in Afghanistan’s Herat province…reports Asian Lite News Desk
United Nations human rights experts have voiced serious concern over allegations that Taliban authorities used excessive force against protesters in western Afghanistan, following demonstrations sparked by the detention of dozens of women accused of violating strict dress code regulations.
According to the experts, the protests erupted in the city of Herat after women were reportedly detained on June 6 and 7 for alleged breaches of dress requirements imposed by the Taliban administration.
The demonstrations intensified on June 9, when residents gathered to protest what the experts described as increasingly restrictive measures targeting women and girls. Reports indicate that two people, including a boy, were killed during the unrest, while more than 20 others sustained injuries.
In a statement, the UN experts stressed that the use of force by law enforcement authorities is tightly regulated under international law and must only be employed when absolutely necessary and proportionate.
“Use of force in law enforcement is strictly restricted under international law. It is permitted only when it is legal, necessary, and proportionate to the threat posed to officers or to others and when it respects principles of precaution, non discrimination, and accountability,” the experts said.
The group reminded the Taliban that, as Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, they are bound by the country’s international human rights obligations.
“As the de facto authority in Afghanistan, the Taliban must comply with the international human rights treaties to which Afghanistan is a party, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture, and the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,” they said.
According to the experts, protesters had gathered to oppose the detention of women accused of violating an order requiring women to wear a burka or chador with a face covering and comply with other restrictions, including a ban on perfume.
The experts cited allegations that Taliban officials opened fire on demonstrators, including men, women and children, and physically assaulted protesters during the crackdown.
They warned that detaining women over alleged dress code violations raised serious human rights concerns and could amount to arbitrary detention.
“Allegations that women were detained for dress code violations are deeply concerning and may constitute arbitrary and unlawful detention, as it appears to penalise the exercise of their right to freedom of expression and right to be free from gender discrimination,” the experts stated.
Calling for accountability, they urged Taliban authorities to launch a prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported use of force.
The experts also stressed the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms, including the rights to equality, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of movement.
“Equality, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and movement, and protection from arbitrary detention are fundamental rights essential to restoring public confidence and preventing further deterioration of the situation,” they said.
The criticism was echoed by the European Union, which condemned what it described as the excessive use of force in Herat and the arbitrary arrest of women for allegedly violating dress code instructions.
In a post on X, Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the European Union’s foreign affairs service, called on the Taliban to uphold international human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful protest.
“The de facto authorities must respect international human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful protest. The EU stands with Afghan women,” he said.
The incident is the latest to draw international scrutiny of the Taliban’s treatment of women and civil liberties since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
