UN Mission Staff Detained in Afghanistan, No Charges Filed

The United Nations has confirmed that two of its national staff members in Afghanistan were detained on Sunday, August 9, by officials of the de facto General Directorate of Intelligence in the western city of Herat.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told reporters on Wednesday that the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has not been informed of any charges against the two individuals and has not been permitted to visit them.

UNAMA has called on the de facto authorities to ensure compliance with the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its officials. The mission, which operates under a Security Council mandate, is actively engaging with the authorities regarding the detentions. Haq noted that there is no update on the situation as of Wednesday.

Separately, Haq highlighted the broader human rights situation in Afghanistan, noting that UN Women has documented the systematic dismantling of women's rights over the past five years. New data indicates that half of Afghan women interviewed leave home only once or twice a month due to severe restrictions on movement and access to public spaces.

UNESCO has also reported that girls have been barred from formal education beyond primary level since 2021, with an estimated 2.4 million girls excluded from secondary education by 2026. Women have been barred from university education since 2022 and continue to face severe restrictions on employment and public participation.