UN Political Mission Members Detained by Taliban Authorities in Afghanistan

Kabul (Terror Monitor) — Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have detained two members of the United Nations political mission in the country, the UN said Thursday.

According to the UN, officials from the Taliban administration’s General Directorate of Intelligence detained the two members on Sunday, August 9, in the western Afghan city of Herat.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York that both detainees are members of the UN mission’s staff. He said the authorities have provided no explanation of the allegations against them and have not yet allowed UN officials to meet with the detained personnel.

Haq said the UN political mission in Afghanistan had called on the Taliban authorities to respect the privileges and immunities afforded to the United Nations and its personnel under international law.

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of NATO forces after more than two decades of war.

The UN political mission in Afghanistan was established through a decision of the UN Security Council. Its main responsibilities include supporting and advising humanitarian efforts, promoting and protecting human rights, advocating equal rights for women and girls, and assisting efforts to improve governance and economic stability in the country.