Two United Nations staff members detained in Herat, western Afghanistan since August 9 were released by Taliban authorities on the morning of August 21, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
In a statement issued the same day, UNAMA said the two individuals were released in the morning and their health condition is stable. The mission also confirmed that it had not received official notification of the reasons for their detention and continues to engage with the de facto authorities to clarify the case, while stressing that charges against the two staff members have been dropped.
“UNAMA has not been officially informed of the reasons for the arrest and detention, and continues to follow up with the de facto authorities,” the UN statement said. The organization also said it is continuing its work “to ensure respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, as well as the safety, security, and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel across the country.”
Speaking at UN headquarters in New York, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed relief that the two staff members had been released, are in good health, and appear to have no outstanding legal issues. The Taliban administration has not yet made an official comment regarding this release.
The incident comes amid ongoing challenges for humanitarian organizations and international staff operating in Afghanistan. Last week, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that six staff members of a local organization working on women’s and children’s rights had been “forcibly taken” more than a month ago and remain unaccounted for.
Numerous UN agencies are active across Afghanistan in sectors such as health and humanitarian aid. The country continues to suffer from severe cuts in international assistance, alongside the return of millions of people from Iran and Pakistan in recent years.
UNAMA’s mandate from the UN Security Council includes promoting and supporting humanitarian operations for the Afghan people, as well as advancing human rights, equality for women and girls, inclusive governance, and economic stability.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces after two decades of war. Soon after, the Taliban administration banned girls from attending school beyond primary level and barred women from most jobs, effectively excluding women and girls from public life. They also abolished minimum age regulations for girls’ marriage and restricted legal accountability in domestic violence cases to instances where the woman sustains visible injuries or fractures.
