The International Criminal Court’s application for arrest warrants against Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Taliban chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been met with widespread praise from human rights organizations and activists.
The warrants were announced on Thursday by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.
Human Rights Watch described the move as “a reminder of the pursuit of justice.” Farshteh Abbasi, a researcher with the organization, called it a “crucial step,” highlighting that the Taliban have systematically deprived Afghan women and girls of their fundamental rights. “It is time for them to be held accountable for these violations,” she said.
Shabnam Nasimi, a human rights activist, emphasized the importance of justice mechanisms not only in holding perpetrators accountable but also in restoring the fundamental rights of Afghan women.
Ravandari, a human rights organization, hailed the warrants as a landmark moment for global gender justice. “This is a critical first step for victims, survivors, and the women of Afghanistan,” the organization said in a statement, adding that Afghan civil society would closely monitor the ICC’s next steps.
Shaharzad Akbar, the head of Ravandari, echoed this sentiment, calling the announcement a significant milestone. “After decades of injustice, this is an important step toward justice. Congratulations to the people of Afghanistan, to the women of Afghanistan, and to the victims,” she said. “This must be the beginning of justice, a first step. We look forward to more arrest warrants, trials, and the shaming of all criminals.”
Prosecutor Khan indicated that applications for arrest warrants against additional Taliban leaders would follow.
