KABUL, 16 October, 2026 (Ghufran): The ban on secondary education for girls in Afghanistan has entered its fifth year under Taliban rule, with restrictions on education beyond the sixth grade still in place. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has released its quarterly report on the country’s human rights situation, covering the period from July 1 to September 30, 2026. According to the report, more than 50 incidents of women being arrested or detained over hijab-related issues were recorded during the three-month period. In Herat, 10 women were arrested for not wearing a chador, while a 13-year-old girl was also detained. The report further stated that 28 people, including six women, were subjected to corporal punishment in Afghanistan during the quarter. UNAMA noted that a Taliban spokesperson had described women who did not observe the prescribed hijab as criminals. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also denied that women had the right to work in offices. Restrictions on Afghan women entering United Nations offices remain in force, according to the report. UNAMA further reported that despite the Taliban’s announcement of a general amnesty, arrests and killings of former Afghan government officials and security personnel have continued.