---
title: 'UN Experts Slam Afghan Morality Police Over Women’s Detentions in Herat'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/un-experts-slam-afghan-morality-police-over-womens-detentions/'
author: 'News Desk'
date: '2026-06-12T16:16:02+05:00'
categories:
  - 'Asia'
  - 'World'
tags:
  - 'Afghan'
  - 'Doctors Without Borders'
  - 'Herat'
  - 'Human Rights'
---

# UN Experts Slam Afghan Morality Police Over Women’s Detentions in Herat

**Kabul (TDI):** UN human rights experts on Thursday strongly condemned a reported crackdown on women in Afghanistan’s western city of Herat, saying that at least two people were killed during protests against the restrictions.

According to the experts, morality police in Herat began detaining dozens of women on Saturday for not wearing full-body coverings such as the chador or burqa.

A protest held on Tuesday against these measures was reportedly dispersed using force. The UN said a boy was shot dead during the incident, while witnesses said that security forces opened fire. Local police, however, have denied that any weapons were used, according to AFP.

In a statement, 10 independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said at least two people were killed and more than 20 others were injured during the events.

They described reports of women being detained for dress code violations as “deeply concerning,” warning that such actions could amount to arbitrary and unlawful detention, as they appear to punish women for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and protection from gender discrimination.

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The experts also emphasized that equality, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and movement, and protection from arbitrary detention are fundamental human rights.

The dress code in Herat is enforced under the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV), which requires women to be almost fully covered when outside their homes. While many women already wear an abaya, headscarf, and face covering, authorities reportedly insist on stricter compliance with chador or burqa requirements.

Among those detained was a medical worker employed by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The NGO said she was stopped by morality police while heading to Herat Regional Hospital’s paediatric ward, accused of violating the dress code, and held for two days.

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MSF said she was released only after signing a written commitment, along with her husband and relatives, to follow the clothing rules enforced by the PVPV, expressing outrage over the arrest and detention of its staff member.

The organization added that the incident reflects broader restrictions faced by women in Afghanistan, who already experience severe limitations on movement and participation in public life.