Taliban Detain Two UN Staff in Afghanistan; UN Demands Access

The Taliban's intelligence service has detained two Afghan employees working for the UN mission in Afghanistan. The detentions occurred Sunday in the western city of Herat, according to Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the United Nations.

The UN mission stated it has not been informed of any specific allegations against the two men. Furthermore, the mission has been denied access to the detained employees. The UN is urging the Taliban to ensure the privileges and immunities of UN personnel are respected.

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The mission is neither informed about the allegations against the two men nor has it gained access to them.

Fereshta Abbasi, an Afghanistan expert at Human Rights Watch, expressed concern, stating that these detentions jeopardize the UN's operations across Afghanistan and its capacity to provide essential, life-saving assistance. She called for the immediate release of the two men.

Since regaining control in 2021 after the withdrawal of international troops, the Taliban's rule has been marked by a severe deterioration of human rights. Women and girls face significant restrictions in all aspects of life, including access to education and employment.

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The detention threatens the work of the United Nations throughout Afghanistan and its ability to provide life-saving aid.