We, the undersigned, express our deep concern regarding the ongoing detention of women and girls in Herat Province in connection with the enforcement of compulsory hijab regulations.

According to available reports, since 6 June 2026, women and girls have been detained in the city of Herat, and some have reportedly been transferred to locations that have not been disclosed to their families. This situation has generated serious concern among families, civil society activists, women’s networks, and concerned members of the community.

We call upon all human rights organizations, international institutions, women's rights advocacy groups, and the broader international community to:

Urgently investigate the detention of women and girls in Herat;

Take all appropriate measures to secure the release of those detained;

Advocate for an end to arrests and detentions related to compulsory hijab enforcement;

Support and protect the fundamental rights, human dignity, and freedoms of women and girls.

We urge the international community to take immediate and meaningful action to address this situation and to ensure respect for the rights and dignity of all women and girls.