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Taliban release two detained UN staff members in Afghanistan

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Taliban authorities in Afghanistan released two UN staff members detained in Herat on August 9.
  • The UN confirmed the staff members are in good health, but the reason for their detention remains unclear.
  • The UN is following up with authorities to ensure respect for staff privileges and immunities.

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have released two United Nations staff members who were detained in the western city of Herat on August 9. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed their release on Thursday morning, stating the individuals appear to be in good health.

For us, we’re just delighted that [the two staff members] have been released, they’re in good health, and they face apparently no more judicial legal issues.

— Stephane DujarricUN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the organisation’s headquarters in New York.

Despite the release, the reason for their detention remains unclear. UNAMA has not been formally notified of the charges, though they understand the charges have been dropped. The UN is actively following up with de facto authorities to ensure the privileges and immunities of UN personnel are respected, along with their safety, security, and freedom of movement across the country.

The detentions are the latest in a series of actions by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. Human Rights Watch recently reported that six staff members of a local organization focused on women's and children's rights had been forcibly disappeared for over a month. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed relief at the staff members' release and good health, noting they face no further judicial issues.

UNAMA has not been formally notified of the reasons for their arrest and detention and continues to follow up with the de facto authorities.

— UNThe UN said in a statement regarding the detention and release of its staff.

Multiple UN agencies operate in Afghanistan, providing essential services in areas like health and humanitarian response. The country faces significant challenges, including international aid cuts and the return of millions of citizens from neighboring countries. The UN mission's mandate includes promoting humanitarian assistance, human rights, gender equality, inclusive governance, and economic stability.

to ensure respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, as well as the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations and associated personnel throughout the country

— UNThe UN stated its ongoing follow-up actions after the release of its staff.
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Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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