Taliban Detains Two UN Staffers in Herat, UN Says

The United Nations has reported that two Afghan employees of its political mission in Afghanistan were detained by Taliban intelligence authorities in the western city of Herat on Sunday. The UN deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq, confirmed the detentions on Wednesday, stating that the mission has not been informed of any charges against the two men and has been denied access to them.

The UN mission has formally called on the Taliban to respect the privileges and immunities granted to UN personnel and to ensure compliance with international norms. The detentions come as Afghanistan grapples with a deepening humanitarian crisis and as cross-border tensions with Pakistan escalate, including recent clashes and airstrikes.

Fereshta Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch, warned that the detentions "seriously threaten the UN's work throughout Afghanistan and its ability to deliver lifesaving aid." She urged Taliban authorities to release the staffers immediately and to allow all aid agencies to operate without intimidation.

The Taliban, who seized power in August 2021, have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, barring them from secondary education and many public roles. The UN mission's mandate includes promoting human rights, gender equality, inclusive governance, and economic stability, as well as supporting humanitarian assistance.