A new report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reveals a sharp decline in freedoms for women, minorities, and dissenters under Taliban rule during the spring of 2026.

Between 6-8 June, at least 30 women were arrested in Herat for wearing what authorities deemed “improper hijab.” Days later, the de facto Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs announced that “Observing hijab” would be the topic of a sermon on Friday, 19 June. Imams received a detailed 10-page document instructing that the hijab must cover the entire body except the eyes, be loose and thick, and contain no adornments or fragrance.

Throughout the reporting period from April to June, UN human rights monitors documented arrests over hairstyles, public floggings for breaking fasts during Ramadan, and the 296th consecutive day that Afghan women were barred from UN premises solely for being women.

Shops and health clinics were ordered not to admit women without a male guardian (mahram). In Logar province, a woman was verbally warned for buying groceries alone, while the male shopkeeper who served her was slapped and taken to the local Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice office.

Beyond restrictions targeting women and girls, UNAMA recorded at least 389 arbitrary arrests and detentions and 65 incidents of ill-treatment by personnel from the de facto Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice authority. At least 137 judicial corporal punishments were carried out, including public floggings for offenses such as breaking the Ramadan fast and illicit relationships.

The report also documented at least 29 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, five instances of torture and ill-treatment, and eight killings of former security force members between 1 April and 30 June 2026.

These incidents are described by UNAMA as part of the routine daily life for Afghans under Taliban rule, highlighting the shrinking space for women, minorities, and dissent.

Sources