From Dw · · 40s
Afghan Women Arrested for Dress Code Violations
UN reports 52 women detained in Afghanistan for hijab non-compliance.
In brief
UN reports 52 women detained in Afghanistan for hijab non-compliance. At least 52 women and one girl were arrested in Herat and Kabul between July and September 2026 for not wearing a chador, visible hair, or makeup. Originally reported by Dw.
UN reports arrests
At least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Herat and Kabul between July and September 2026.
“Women were detained for not wearing a chador [an all-enveloping, cloak-like garment], having visible hair, wearing colourful scarves or makeup, or being in public without a mahram [male chaperone]”
Detentions violate rights
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said the detentions violate women's and girls' rights to freedom of movement, expression, and autonomy.
Taliban rule restrictions
Since 2021, the Taliban government has banned women from attending school beyond primary level and imposed strict dress codes requiring full hijabs.
At a glance
At least 52 women and one girl were arrested in Herat and Kabul between July and September 2026 for not wearing a chador, visible hair, or makeup.
