Human Rights Watch has called for the immediate release of two United Nations staffers and six non-governmental organization (NGO) workers detained in Afghanistan in recent weeks, citing concerns over forced disappearances and potential obstruction of vital aid operations.
The organization reported that six male staff members of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF), an NGO involved in aid programs and advocacy for women's and children's rights, were forcibly disappeared from their Kabul office last month. In a separate incident, two Afghan staff members of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) were detained by Taliban intelligence officials in Herat on Sunday.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated he was gathering details on the detentions but had not yet received final clarification. The UN confirmed the detention of its two staffers, noting that UNAMA has not been informed of any charges nor permitted to visit them, according to Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.
Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan Researcher at Human Rights Watch, warned that the detentions of UNAMA staff jeopardize the UN's capacity to deliver essential humanitarian aid. UNAMA, as the UN's political mission, engages in human rights monitoring and data collection, activities that have historically drawn criticism from the Taliban government.
The detentions come to light shortly before the Taliban's fifth anniversary of their return to power. Afghanistan remains heavily reliant on international assistance, which has been impacted by broader foreign aid cuts. Aid groups have frequently accused the Taliban of hindering their work and deterring donor commitment.
Human Rights Watch detailed that Taliban security forces raided the WCLRF office on June 21, confiscating belongings and sealing the premises before questioning staff. The NGO's leadership team of six male employees was detained on July 18 after being summoned to the office under the pretext of retrieving confiscated items. Their families have reportedly received no information regarding their whereabouts, health, or any charges against them.
