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.

The United Nations Security Council will hold its quarterly meeting on Afghanistan on Monday, with members set to assess recent developments in the country and discuss the future of international engagement.

During the session, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is expected to present the UN Secretary-General’s latest report, outlining political, humanitarian and social developments over the past three months.

The discussions are expected to focus on key issues including the humanitarian situation, political developments, and the rights of women and girls, particularly access to education.

According to the Security Council, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 21.9 million people requiring assistance this year.

While council members broadly support an Afghanistan free of terrorism, governed inclusively and committed to international obligations, differences remain over how best to achieve those goals.

Analysts say the meeting could offer important indications of the Security Council’s assessment of Afghanistan and the international community’s future approach toward the country. The talks are also expected to address UNAMA’s role in facilitating engagement between Afghanistan and the wider international community.

Officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly urged the United Nations and other international actors to present what they describe as a balanced and impartial picture of Afghanistan, while acknowledging developments on the ground.

The meeting comes ahead of the expiration of UNAMA’s current mandate on June 16. The Security Council is expected to decide on the mission’s extension the same day.

UNAMA remains the United Nations’ primary presence in Afghanistan, coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring human rights issues and supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community.

Iran has received 417 million cubic meters of water from Afghanistan since the start of the current water year, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency, a figure that remains below half of the volume Tehran is entitled to under the 1973 Helmand River water-sharing treaty during normal water conditions.

The report said the water has flowed into Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province despite Afghanistan experiencing one of its wettest periods in recent years.

Under the treaty, Iran is entitled to 850 million cubic meters of water annually from the Helmand River in years of normal hydrological conditions.

Fars reported that inflows into the Chah Nimeh reservoirs in Sistan and Baluchestan doubled between April 11 and May 30, indicating increased water releases from Afghanistan.

Water-sharing from the Helmand River has long been a sensitive issue between Kabul and Tehran, with Iranian officials frequently raising concerns over water deliveries, particularly during drought periods.

The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly said it remains committed to implementing the 1973 agreement and providing Iran’s allocated share of water. Afghan officials have also emphasized that releases depend on rainfall, drought conditions, and available water resources within the country.