In a powerful call for justice, a coalition of Afghan and international civil society organisations urges accountability for the Taliban’s ongoing violations of women’s rights. The joint statement, supported by Human Rights Watch, highlights a legal initiative led by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands aimed at holding Afghanistan under Taliban rule accountable for breaches of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The coalition commends this bold step, emphasising the importance of ending violations outlined in Article 29 of CEDAW. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for legal actions against the Taliban-led government at the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move celebrated as a significant show of solidarity with Afghan women.
However, the Taliban have rejected international legal frameworks, notably dismissing the jurisdiction of the ICC and claiming that Afghanistan no longer acknowledges these agreements. Rights groups, undeterred, stress the importance of continued international engagement, calling for meaningful discussions about the Taliban’s human rights abuses targeting women.
The United States Institute of Peace reports alarming findings, noting the Taliban’s issuance of 138 decrees as of January 31, 2025, effectively marginalising women and girls from public life, while imposing severe gender discrimination. Their policies have been branded as “gender apartheid,” restricting women from education, employment, political participation, and healthcare access, while eradicating protections against gender-based violence.
Despite facing grave dangers such as arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings, Afghan women remain resilient, resisting oppression throughout the past three and a half years. Activists in exile continually advocate for international actions against Taliban restrictions, championing their cause on the global stage.
The coalition underscores that Afghan women must play a central role in international legal proceedings, particularly during evidence gathering and case documentation. It urges countries involved in the initiative to ensure Afghan legal experts are integrated into decision-making and litigation strategies, reinforcing their voices in the legal battle against oppression.
Finally, the coalition calls for inclusive consultations that prioritise Afghan women’s safety and participation, coupled with robust international backing to bolster the case against the Taliban, making strides toward justice for their crimes against women.
A coalition of Afghan and international civil society organisations has called for accountability for the Taliban’s violation of women’s rights. Backed by a legal initiative from several countries, they seek to hold Taliban-led Afghanistan accountable under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Despite the Taliban’s rejection of international legal frameworks, rights groups continue to push for engagement and highlight the oppressive gender policies in place.
The coalition of rights groups is making significant strides to hold the Taliban accountable for their systematic violations of women’s rights, emphasising the importance of international law and Afghan women’s participation in legal processes. Their efforts reflect a steadfast commitment to challenging gender-based discrimination and supporting the resilient spirit of Afghan women amidst severe oppression. The initiative spearheaded by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands shines a hopeful light on the path to justice.
Original Source: amu.tv
