The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced Thursday that two of its staff members, who had been detained by the Taliban in the western city of Herat on August 9, were released and appeared to be in good health.

Unclear reasons for detention

UNAMA said it has not been formally notified of the reasons for the arrest and that the charges against the two appear to have been dropped. The mission continues to engage with the de facto authorities to ensure respect for United Nations privileges and immunities, as well as the safety, security, and freedom of movement of UN personnel throughout Afghanistan.

Broader pattern of detentions

The release follows a recent series of detentions by the Taliban. Human Rights Watch reported that six senior members of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation were forcibly disappeared after being summoned to retrieve confiscated laptops and phones. Those six remain in custody, with HRW urging that they be allowed visits by family members and legal counsel.

Taliban’s record on rights

Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed strict limits on girls’ education, barred most women from employment, and allowed practices such as child marriage. In June, at least 30 women were arrested in Herat for alleged violations of a restrictive dress code, prompting a rare protest that was violently suppressed, resulting in at least one death.

UN mission’s mandate

UNAMA’s mandate, authorized by the UN Security Council, includes promoting humanitarian assistance, human rights, gender equality, inclusive governance, and economic stability for the Afghan people.

Afghan authorities have not commented on the recent release of the UN staff members.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.