Press Release by Afghanistan Women’s Rights Watch (AWRW)

AWRW Welcomes ICC Prosecutor’s Applications for Arrest Warrants Against Taliban Leaders

Afghanistan Women’s Rights Watch (AWRW) wholeheartedly welcomes the announcement by International Criminal Court ICC regarding the filing of arrest warrant applications against the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Chief Justice of the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” Abdul Hakim Haqqani. This landmark step is a critical move towards justice and accountability for the grave violations of women’s rights, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan.

Since August 2021, women, girls, and marginalized communities in Afghanistan have faced systematic and egregious persecution at the hands of the Taliban. This persecution, documented extensively by Afghanistan civil society, includes deprivation of education, the denial of freedom of movement and expression, brutal repression of dissent, and widespread gender-based violence. The ICC Prosecutor’s determination to address these crimes is a powerful message to the Taliban that impunity for their actions is no longer an option.

The ICC’s acknowledgment of the gendered dimensions of these crimes is particularly significant. By charging Taliban leaders under Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds, this action highlights the severe deprivations suffered by women, girls, and marginalized communities in Afghanistan targeted by the Taliban. These crimes—denial of education, restriction of autonomy, and brutal enforcement of discriminatory policies—are not only violations of international law but also attacks on the very foundation of human dignity.

We applaud the courage of Afghanistan survivors, civil society organizations, and witnesses who have cooperated with the ICC’s investigation despite immense risks. This step brings renewed hope to women and girls in Afghanistan who have been silenced for too long. We also commend the ICC’s inclusion of gender, psycho-social, and country experts in its investigative process, ensuring that the gendered nature of these crimes is fully addressed.

AWRW reiterates the following urgent calls to action:

  1. Uphold Accountability: We urge the international community to support the ICC in its pursuit of justice, ensuring that those responsible for gender-based persecution and other crimes against humanity in Afghanistan are held accountable.
  2. Defend Women’s Right to Education: The Taliban’s actions have deprived an entire generation of women and girls in Afghanistan for their right to education. Immediate international intervention is required to guarantee that all children in Afghanistan regardless of gender—have access to schooling.
  3. Support Civil Society: We call on international actors to strengthen their partnerships with Afghanistan women’s organizations that are tirelessly working to document violations, provide support to survivors, and advocate for systemic change.
  4. End Systematic Oppression: The global community must reject the Taliban’s attempts to justify their actions through their interpretation of religious law. No ideology or doctrine can legitimize the deprivation of fundamental human rights.

We acknowledge and support the statements made by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, and global leaders who have responded positively to this development. Together, we must ensure that women, girls in Afghanistan and all marginalized groups receive the justice they deserve.

Afghanistan Women’s Rights Watch stands firm in its commitment to advocate for justice, equality, and dignity for all. We remain vigilant in our efforts to amplify the voices of women and girls in Afghanistan, and we call on the international community to join us in this fight for justice and humanity.

Afghanistan Women’s Rights Watch (AWRW)

January 2025