UN says two staff members detained in Afghanistan have been freed

UN staff freed in Afghanistan after more than a week in detention

The United Nations said two of its staff members detained in Afghanistan more than a week ago have been released. The two Afghan employees of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) were freed on Thursday morning, according to the UN, and appear to be in good health.

The men had been detained in the western city of Herat on August 9, following a string of detentions by Taliban authorities. The UN said it has not been formally notified of the reasons for their arrest and detention, and that it understood charges against the two had been dropped. The mission continues to follow up with the de facto authorities to ensure respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, as well as the safety, security and freedom of movement of UN personnel throughout the country.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at a press briefing that the circumstances of the detention and what the staffers had been accused of "remains very unclear, and we're trying to get more details." He added: "We're just delighted that they've been released, they're in good health, and they face apparently no more judicial legal issues."

Afghan authorities did not immediately comment on the release.

The detentions were the latest in a series by Taliban authorities, according to reports. Last week, Human Rights Watch said six staff members of a local organisation working on women's and children's rights had been "forcibly disappeared" for more than a month.

UNAMA is the UN's political mission in Afghanistan, involved in human rights monitoring and data gathering. The Taliban have frequently criticized its reports. The release came days before the Taliban celebrated the fifth anniversary of their return to power, which occurred on August 15, 2021, as US and NATO forces withdrew.

Multiple UN agencies operate across Afghanistan in areas including health and humanitarian response. The country faces significant challenges, including international aid cuts and the return of millions of citizens from Iran and Pakistan. The UN mission's mandate includes promoting humanitarian assistance, human rights, equality for women and girls, inclusive governance and economic stability.

Since taking power, the Taliban have barred girls from education beyond primary school, banned women from nearly all employment, removed minimum-age protections for girls' marriage, and made domestic violence punishable only in cases of visible injuries or broken bones.