On 28 February 2025, during the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the FIDH and Armanshahr/OPEN ASIA expressed grave concerns regarding the Taliban’s oppressive regime in Afghanistan. The recent Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice further solidifies a system of gender apartheid, effectively excluding women and girls from public life, thus denying them fundamental rights.
Civil society in Afghanistan has nearly become non-existent, with human rights defenders and journalists facing a perilous choice: flee the country or confront dire consequences such as arbitrary detentions and violence. The international reaction to these ongoing atrocities has been notably muted, despite extensive documentation of violations that could be deemed crimes against humanity.
The announcement by the International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor regarding the pursuit of the Taliban’s Supreme Leader for crimes against humanity is a pivotal moment. The FIDH urges all nations to collaborate with the Court in its inquiries while advocating for mechanisms that ensure accountability for all perpetrators in Afghanistan, fostering a comprehensive approach to justice.
Since the Taliban’s illegal takeover, both Afghan and international civil societies have echoed the need for an effective accountability mechanism to address rampant human rights violations. The call for an independent investigative body, as stressed by the Special Rapporteur, is critical for collecting evidence of these violations, enhancing international accountability efforts.
On 28 February 2025, the FIDH and Armanshahr/OPEN ASIA addressed the UN Human Rights Council regarding the Taliban’s oppressive regime, highlighting the enforcement of gender apartheid laws. They underscored the eradication of civil society and the risks faced by human rights defenders. A call for an independent investigative mechanism to ensure accountability for human rights violations was made to support justice efforts.
The entity recognises the dire situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, underscored by pervasive human rights violations, especially against women. The urgent establishment of an independent investigative mechanism is imperative for accountability, with the international community urged to act decisively. Ensuring justice for the Afghan people is not a matter of delay; immediate action is crucial for safeguarding fundamental human rights.
Original Source: www.fidh.org
