GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed deep concern about reports of excessive use of force against demonstrators protesting restrictive measures after dozens of women were detained for alleged dress code violations in Herat, Afghanistan, on 6 and 7 June 2026.
"Use of force in law enforcement is strictly restricted under international law," the experts said. "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."
"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."
On 9 June 2026, people gathered in Herat to protest increasingly repressive restrictions and the detention of dozens of women for allegedly violating an order to restrict women's attire, including requirements to wear a burka or chador with a face mask and a ban on perfume. De facto authority officials allegedly opened fire on protesters - men, women and children - and beat them. At least two people, including a boy, were killed and more than twenty were injured. The experts noted reports of stone-throwing by some protesters, but stated that such actions would not, in themselves, meet the strict threshold for the use of lethal force.
"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," they said.
The experts urged the Taliban to conduct an investigation promptly, effectively, independently, impartially and transparently into the use of forces by officials. Such investigations must be capable of establishing whether the use of lethal force was strictly necessary and proportionate to protect life, securing forensic evidence from the outset and ensuring accountability for those responsible and their chain of command.
"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.
They stressed that the exercise of law enforcement powers must remain strictly consistent with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination, and fully aligned with Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights law.
The experts urged de-escalation and warned that tensions must be reduced immediately to prevent further violence or harm.
They called on the Taliban to immediately release detainees, including women arrested for dress code violations and protesters, strictly avoid ill-treatment, refrain from any actions or rhetoric that prevent people with injuries from accessing medical care and stop searching people's houses.
