The United Nations has confirmed that two of its staff members in Afghanistan were detained by the country's intelligence agency on Sunday, August 9, in the western province of Herat. The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated it has not been informed of the charges against them or permitted to see them for two days.
Farhan Haq, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, called for the staff members' special status to be respected. 'We call on the de facto authorities to ensure compliance with the privileges and immunities of the UN and its officials,' he said.
The arrests occurred just days before the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. Afghanistan has been governed by the Taliban authorities, which rule according to a strict interpretation of Islamic law, since the capture of Kabul on August 15, 2021.
UNAMA published a report this week recommending that the authorities clarify 'the rules governing the use of force, arrest, detention' by the security institutions and'strengthen accountability.' The country has faced numerous challenges, including international aid cuts and the arrival of millions of its citizens from Iran and Pakistan in recent years.
In June, about 20 aid workers were arrested near the Iran border in Herat province by Afghanistan's morality police for not having long enough beards. They included staff working for organizations that partner with the UN and were subsequently released. Dozens of women were also detained in early June for violating official dress codes.
