At least 75 people have died in drowning incidents across Afghanistan since the beginning of the current solar year, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

Mohammad Yousuf Hamad, spokesperson for the authority, said three other people were injured in water-related incidents during the same period.

Among those who lost their lives were 27 men, seven women and 41 children, highlighting the high number of child fatalities in drowning accidents.

The authority did not provide details on the locations of the incidents but urged the public to take precautionary measures near rivers, canals, dams and other bodies of water, particularly during the summer season when swimming and recreational activities increase.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over reports that several women in Herat province have been detained for allegedly failing to comply with dress requirements, warning that the incidents raise serious human rights concerns.

In a statement issued on Sunday, UNAMA said it had received reports of multiple arrests and detentions of women in Herat linked to alleged violations of dress regulations and was closely monitoring the situation.

“UNAMA is concerned over multiple arrests and detentions of women in Herat for alleged non-compliance with dress requirements, which raises serious human rights concerns,” the mission said.

The UN mission reiterated that freedom of movement is a fundamental right and stressed that both women and men are entitled to equal protection under the law.

The statement comes as the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan continue to be a key issue in discussions between the Islamic Emirate and the international community. International organizations have repeatedly called for the protection of fundamental rights, while the Islamic Emirate maintains that women’s rights are safeguarded in accordance with Sharia law.

Authorities have not yet publicly responded to UNAMA’s statement.

Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, has emphasized the importance of religious education, saying that the implementation of Sharia and the reform of society are only possible through the revival and strengthening of Islamic sciences.

The remarks came during a meeting with administrators of jihadist religious schools, teachers, officials responsible for reviewing religious publications, orphanage administrators and a number of religious scholars, according to a statement released by the Islamic Emirate.

Akhundzada described religious scholars as the heirs of the prophets and said they carry the responsibility of preserving the faith, guiding society and raising public awareness. He urged scholars to play a greater role in educating people and promoting Islamic values through teaching, preaching and religious outreach.

He also called on officials and educators to focus on the intellectual and moral development of students, strengthen their religious knowledge and beliefs, and encourage study and learning within religious institutions.

In his address, the Islamic Emirate leader further urged officials to remain vigilant in administrative, political, economic and military affairs, warning against negligence and stressing the need for stronger cooperation and mutual trust among state institutions.