Afghanistan confronts gender‑based arrests and a surge of returnees needing durable aid

UNAMA confirmed that between July and September, authorities in Herat and Kabul detained at least 52 women and one girl for alleged breaches of the Taliban’s dress rules. Infractions cited included the absence of a chador, visible hair, bright scarves, makeup, or being in public without a male guardian. Detainees were typically released after a few hours, but many reported verbal abuse and threats. The mission warned that stigma and fear likely hide additional cases, meaning the true scale of gender‑based repression could be far larger than documented.

IOM data show that nearly 6.5 million Afghans have come back from Iran and Pakistan since 2023, creating an unprecedented influx. Eighty‑two percent arrived as households, averaging 6.1 members, and 58 percent are under 18. Among those aged 14 and older, 53 percent have not completed any formal education, and half lack specialised work experience. Seventy‑seven percent are living in transitional shelters, yet 51 percent say their space is insufficient. Only 21 percent of households possess documentation for every member, while 43 percent lack the papers needed to access basic services.

IOM officials stress that aid must go beyond immediate arrival points, combining livelihood programmes, safe housing, documentation support and basic services for both returnees and host communities. The agency calls for area‑focused reintegration plans that build long‑term resilience and social cohesion. Simultaneously, UNAMA urges the de‑facto authorities to halt discriminatory dress‑code enforcement and to respect Afghanistan’s obligations under international human‑rights law. Coordinated, durable interventions are seen as the only way to address the overlapping challenges of gender‑based repression and the massive needs of returning families.