A group of United Nations experts has strongly condemned a recent crackdown on women by morality police in Afghanistan’s western city of Herat, alleging that at least two people were killed and more than 20 others injured during a protest against restrictions on women’s dress codes. The developments have raised renewed international concern over the tightening enforcement of Taliban-era morality laws in the region.

According to reports cited by the UN-appointed independent experts, morality police in Herat began detaining dozens of women over the weekend for allegedly failing to comply with strict dress requirements, including the mandatory wearing of the chador or burqa. The detentions triggered public anger, leading to a protest on Tuesday that was subsequently dispersed by force. Witnesses told international media that security forces opened fire during the unrest, although local police have denied using weapons.

In a statement released on Thursday, 10 independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said credible reports indicated at least two deaths and more than 20 injuries during the crackdown. The experts warned that detaining women for dress code violations could amount to arbitrary and unlawful detention, potentially violating fundamental rights including freedom of expression, protection from discrimination and the right to peaceful assembly.

Also Read: Afghanistan Says 11 Children Among 13 Killed In Fresh Pakistan Strikes

The morality enforcement is overseen by Afghanistan’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which regulates public behaviour and dress standards. Under the rules, women are required to be almost fully covered when appearing in public. While many women typically wear an abaya, headscarf and face covering, the latest enforcement reportedly targets additional restrictions, including requirements for full coverage, limited visibility of hair, and even mandatory socks and bans on makeup.

The controversy intensified after reports emerged that a female medical worker employed by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was detained while on her way to work at Herat Regional Hospital’s paediatric ward. The organisation said she was held for two days and released only after signing a written commitment, along with her family members, agreeing to comply with the dress code. MSF condemned the detention, calling it deeply troubling and not an isolated incident.

The UN experts said the situation reflects a broader pattern of increasing restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms in Afghanistan. They urged authorities to respect international human rights obligations, while warning that continued enforcement actions could further marginalise women from public life, education and employment in the country.

Also Read: Kerala Rolls Out Free Bus Travel for Women in KSRTC Services from June 15