Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) on Saturday said taking girls to forensic laboratories for virginity tests is against the law and violates their human rights and as such called on government to stop the practice.

“Mandatory virginity testing is against human rights (laws) and Islam and it damages girls and women’s reputations,” AIHRC Commissioner for Women's Rights Suraya Sobhrang said.

Forensic officials meanwhile said 95 percent of girls agree to be tested in order to remove any doubt that they are not virgins. 

“Mostly the people who are referred to forensic (laboratories) are victims and the people have accused them of not being virgins. Also brides come here for testing,” said Trina Yadgari, a forensic specialist.

Virginity tests have increased in the country in recent times. 

However a number of people have called on government to put an end to the practice especially as it is illegal. 

This week, a spokesman from the presidential palace told the New York Times that government is committed to stopping the practice.

Kabul police however said they have not received any decree in this regard and that they continue to send girls accused of not being virgins for testing. 

“There is no decree or law that prohibits virginity testing. If such a law is approved, then we will implement it,” said Fraidoon Obaidi, head of the crime investigation department of the Kabul police.

Recently a young girl was accused of not being a virgin and her husband then forced her younger sister into marriage. 

The girls’ father said however, tests showed his daughter had been a virgin.