Two UN Staff Detained by Taliban Intelligence in Afghanistan, Access Denied
Two staff members of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan have been detained by the country’s intelligence agency. The UN stated it has not been permitted to meet with the two staff for two days.
UNAMA confirmed that the two staff members were detained by officials from the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) on Sunday in Herat, western Afghanistan.
“We confirm that two male UNAMA staff members of Afghan nationality were detained by de facto General Directorate of Intelligence officials on Sunday, 9 August, in Herat,” UNAMA said in a statement.
UNAMA said it has not been informed of the charges against the two staff members. They have also not been allowed to meet with them.
“UNAMA has not been informed of the charges against them, and we have not been permitted to meet with them,” the statement continued.
The Afghan authorities did not respond when asked for comment by AFP regarding the detention.
UNAMA urged the Afghan authorities to ensure that the rules regarding the privileges and immunities of the UN and its officials are respected.
Several UN agencies continue to operate in Afghanistan, working in various fields including health and humanitarian aid.
The detention of the two UNAMA staff occurred after the mission published a report this week. In the report, UNAMA recommended that the Afghan authorities clarify the rules regarding the use of force, arrest, and detention by security institutions.
UNAMA also called for the strengthening of accountability mechanisms within these institutions.
Afghanistan has been under Taliban rule for nearly five years. The Taliban enforces a strict interpretation of Islamic law in its governance.
Afghan women are also banned from entering many places, including UN facilities. This ban also applies to women working as UN staff.
Previously, around 20 aid workers were detained in June near the Afghanistan-Iran border, specifically in Herat Province. They were arrested by the morality police for allegedly having beards that were not long enough.
According to an internal memo seen by AFP, the workers were employed by organisations partnering with the UN. They were later released.
Afghanistan continues to face severe challenges due to cuts in international aid. The country is also grappling with the significant challenge of millions of Afghan nationals returning from Iran and Pakistan in recent years.