By Kylie Morris BBC Kabul correspondent

An international human rights group says women and girls continue to suffer extreme repression in parts of Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch says it has evidence of mounting abuses, harassment and restrictions of women's rights.

Older girls and women in Herat must wear the burqa

Much of the latest Human Rights Watch report focuses on life for the women of Herat in western Afghanistan, but warns that the situation there is symptomatic of developments across the country.

It speaks of police abuse, forced chastity tests and restrictions reminiscent of the Taleban.

Testimony

The Human Rights Watch report concedes that women's and girls' rights have improved since the demise of the Taleban, with many now allowed to return to school and university. However it documents growing repression in social and political life.

In Herat, it says, religious police, government officials and squads of schoolboys monitor women and girls' behaviour and appearance.

Ismail Khan insists women are better off in Herat

The report cites the use of local television and newspapers by the governor to set standards.

Freedom of movement is restricted and when they do leave their homes, women and older girls must wear the all-encompassing burqa, or chowdra.

The group has documented testimony from citizens of Herat that women and girls who walk with men on the street, ride with them in cars, or even if alone with them in private homes, have been arrested.

That arrest can be followed by a gynaecological examination to determine whether they have recently had sex, or to test for virginity.

Return to school

Human Rights Watch accuses the international community of double-standards by justifying the war against the Taleban in part by promising liberation to Afghan women and then supporting warlords and commanders who abuse women's rights.

The Herat governor, Ismail Khan, has in the past defended the position of women in his province, saying that more girls have returned to school in Herat than anywhere else in Afghanistan.

He said that women are working in senior roles within the government and for banks, as well as for international agencies.

Ismail Khan insists women have a good chance in Herat and they have institutions to help them.