KABUL — A coalition of Afghan and international civil society organizations has called for urgent accountability over the Taliban’s systemic violations of women’s rights, warning that the deepening crisis demands an international legal response.
In a joint statement published by Human Rights Watch, the groups expressed support for a legal initiative by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, which formally seeks to hold Afghanistan—under Taliban rule—accountable for violations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“We, members of Afghan and international civil society, commend this initiative, which formally calls on Afghanistan to end its violations under Article 29 of CEDAW,” the statement said.
The organizations noted that the initiative could potentially lead to a case against the Taliban-led Afghanistan at the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it a “welcome step” toward international solidarity with Afghan women.
Taliban reject international legal frameworks
The Taliban have dismissed such efforts, stating in a recent official statement that they do not recognize the Rome Statute or the jurisdiction of the ICC, and that Afghanistan, under their rule, has withdrawn from such international agreements.
Despite this, rights groups are urging continued international engagement and legal action, emphasizing the need for inclusive and meaningful discussions on the Taliban’s human rights abuses, particularly against women.
A report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) found that as of January 31, 2025, the Taliban had issued 138 decrees and policies targeting women and girls, effectively erasing them from public life and subjecting them to systematic gender-based discrimination and persecution.
The statement describes the Taliban’s gender policies as “gender apartheid”, citing restrictions that bar women from secondary and higher education, employment, political participation, and equal access to healthcare. It also notes that the Taliban have dismantled protections for women and girls facing gender-based violence.
The rights organizations underscored the resilience of Afghan women, who have bravely resisted Taliban oppression over the past three and a half years, despite facing arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. Women’s rights activists in exile, the statement said, have consistently pushed for international and regional action to challenge Taliban-imposed restrictions.
The statement stressed that Afghan women must be central to any international legal proceedings, particularly in evidence gathering, case documentation, legal strategies, and future judicial processes.
“Countries leading this initiative must ensure that Afghan legal experts are involved wherever possible, including in decision-making, litigation strategy, and, where feasible, the presentation of oral arguments,” the groups stated.
The coalition further called for inclusive and transparent consultations, ensuring Afghan women’s participation in the legal process while maintaining safety and security. It also emphasized the need for broad international support to strengthen the case against the Taliban and hold them accountable for their crimes against women.
