International Community Condemns Taliban’s Abuse of Women in Afghanistan

The international community has intensified its condemnation of the Taliban’s oppressive policies towards women and girls in Afghanistan. A recent resolution by the United Nations General Assembly expressed “deep concern” over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. The assembly urged the Taliban to cease the “grave, worsening, widespread and systematic oppression” against women and girls and to adhere to international law.

In a significant development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced it is pursuing arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials: supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. These warrants stem from allegations of crimes against humanity committed against women and girls since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. The ICC’s decision followed a request from prosecutor Karim Khan KC, who highlighted the Taliban’s severe violations, including the deprivation of physical integrity, autonomy, and freedom of movement for Afghan women and girls.

The situation for women in Afghanistan has become increasingly dire. According to the UN, approximately 14.4 million girls have been denied education, and women have been barred from most sectors, including crucial roles in international aid organizations. This has stripped many families of their primary breadwinners, resulting in widespread economic hardship. The Taliban has issued over 70 edicts restricting the rights and freedoms of women, including mandates for veil-wearing and prohibitions on accessing public parks and beauty parlors. These measures have led to a rise in female suicide rates, with many experts labeling the situation as “gender apartheid.”

The Taliban has attempted to distance itself from the ICC, announcing its withdrawal from the Rome Statute in February. Recently, the group reiterated that it does not recognize the “so-called international court,” accusing the international community of applying double standards. Despite these assertions, the ICC retains jurisdiction in Afghanistan, as the previous government ratified the Rome Statute in 2003. This means that Akhundzada and Haqqani could face arrest if they travel outside Afghanistan.

The implications of the ICC’s actions could extend further, potentially leading to additional warrants for Taliban officials, including Sheikh Mohammad Khalid, the head of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which has implemented many of the repressive decrees against women.

The Taliban’s aspirations for international legitimacy have suffered a setback. Earlier this month, the group celebrated a diplomatic win when Russia formally recognized its government. However, the recent ICC actions may prompt other nations to reconsider similar recognition. Additionally, the Taliban’s hopes of securing Afghanistan’s seat at the UN have been hampered, as it has been denied entry four times since regaining power.

While the international community has targeted the Taliban for its treatment of women, allegations of selective accountability persist. The Taliban has pointed to the ongoing violence in Gaza, where an estimated 28,000 women and girls have been killed since October 2023, as evidence of hypocrisy. In a statement on July 8, the Taliban remarked, “It is shameful to speak of human rights, justice, and international courts while genocide is being committed in Gaza.”

The international response to Israel’s actions has drawn criticism, particularly from Western nations that have failed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC warrant. Netanyahu recently traveled through European airspace, including Greece, Italy, and France, without being detained. This has led to accusations that Western countries selectively apply international law, undermining the credibility of their efforts to hold the Taliban accountable.

The United States has further complicated matters by sanctioning the ICC over its investigations into Israeli actions in Gaza. Reports suggest that the UK threatened to withdraw from the court if warrants were issued against Israeli officials, while Australia criticized the ICC for allegedly equating actions between Hamas and Israel, which some interpret as an attempt to shield Israel from scrutiny.

This perceived double standard creates an environment in which the Taliban may feel less compelled to adhere to international norms. In the short term, Akhundzada and Haqqani are likely to limit their travel outside of Afghanistan. They can easily deflect condemnation from the international community by pointing to the high number of Palestinian casualties and the lack of accountability faced by Israeli leaders.

As the Taliban faces increasing isolation from the West, it is likely to strengthen its ties with nations such as China, Russia, and its neighboring countries, including Pakistan, India, and Iran. These countries, prioritizing strategic interests over human rights, are not signatories to the ICC and may offer the Taliban the support it seeks.

The plight of Afghan women and girls remains urgent, and there is a pressing need for the international community to engage meaningfully in holding the Taliban accountable for its actions. Yet, the evident double standards in global responses to human rights violations complicate the situation, leaving many to question the effectiveness of international law in achieving justice for those most affected.