UN experts have raised alarm over reports of excessive force used against demonstrators protesting strict dress code rules for women in Afghanistan. The protests stemmed from the detention of numerous women in Herat for alleged dress code violations. The experts emphasized that the use of force in law enforcement should adhere to international standards and respect human rights principles.
The experts highlighted that the Taliban, as the de facto authority in Afghanistan, must adhere to international human rights treaties. They emphasized the importance of upholding civil and political rights, preventing torture, and eliminating discrimination against women. The experts stressed that any use of force must be legal, necessary, proportionate, and in line with human rights principles.
In response to the protests in Herat against repressive dress code restrictions, the experts noted that Taliban officials reportedly fired on protesters and subjected them to violence. The detention of women for dress code violations raised concerns about arbitrary and unlawful detention, potentially infringing on their freedom of expression and gender equality rights. The experts called for a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the use of force by Taliban officials.
The European Union has strongly condemned the excessive use of force in Herat and the arbitrary arrests of women for dress code violations. Anouar El Anouni, the European Union’s spokesman for foreign affairs, denounced the actions on social media, emphasizing the need for respecting international human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful protest. The EU expressed solidarity with Afghan women in the face of these challenges.
