UN Experts Criticise Enforcement of Dress Code in Afghanistan

A collection of United Nations experts has expressed strong disapproval of actions taken against women in Herat, Afghanistan, amidst a crackdown by the local morality police. Reports indicate that at least two individuals lost their lives during a protest against gender restrictions related to dress codes. The authorities commenced detaining numerous women on June 6 for not adhering to the mandated body-covering attire, such as the chador or burqa.

A protest held on June 9 against these stringent measures was met with force, leading to the tragic shooting of a boy, according to the UN. Eyewitnesses informed Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the security forces responded with gunfire. Meanwhile, local police have denied the use of weapons during the protest.

In a statement released on June 11, ten independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council commented that at least two people were reportedly killed, with over twenty others wounded in the ensuing chaos. The experts noted, "Allegations that women were detained for dress code violations are deeply concerning and may constitute arbitrary and unlawful detention, as it appears to penalise the exercise of their right to freedom of expression and right to be free from gender discrimination."

The statement further emphasised that equality, the right to assemble peacefully, freedom of expression, and protection from arbitrary detention are fundamental human rights.

In Afghanistan, the dress code for women is enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV). Women are expected to cover nearly their entire bodies when they go outside. While many women opt for a flowing abaya robe paired with a headscarf and a face covering, the mandatory chador or burqa remains a contentious issue.

Among those detained was a medical worker employed by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). She was apprehended while en route to her job at the paediatric ward of Herat Regional Hospital. The NGO reported that she was held for two days and released only after signing a written agreement, along with her husband and relatives, to comply with the attire mandated by the PVPV.

MSF expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the broader context in which women in Afghanistan are already subjected to severe restrictions on movement and public life. Despite requests for comment, the PVPV has not provided any public statements regarding the recent detentions. However, the department has issued warnings that failure to follow new regulations could lead to detention or imprisonment.

A newly published list from the PVPV branch in Herat includes rules forbidding women from wearing make-up, having visible hair, and mandates wearing socks. The emphasis on these regulations reflects an ongoing societal struggle for women's rights in Afghanistan, where recent developments have raised significant international concern.