The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says Taliban authorities have carried out hundreds of arbitrary arrests and detentions over alleged violations of regulations enforced by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
In a report published on 15 October, UNAMA documented at least 443 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, alongside 97 cases of alleged mistreatment by the ministry’s officials between July and September 2026.
The reported incidents were linked to alleged violations of Taliban rules concerning women’s dress, men’s beards and hairstyles, attendance at congregational prayers and restrictions on music.
UNAMA said the findings raised serious concerns about human rights and individual freedoms in Afghanistan. It warned that the enforcement of restrictive regulations without adequate safeguards could further limit people’s ability to exercise their basic rights.
The ministry’s enforcement activities have affected various aspects of everyday life, particularly women’s freedom of movement and access to public spaces.
The Taliban have rejected allegations of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment. However, the UN report has renewed international concerns about the impact of the group’s policies on Afghan society.
