25.01.2025
The Afghanistan Women Foundation (AWF) welcomes the historic decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Chief Justice of the group’s Supreme Court, on charges of crimes against humanity and gender-based violence. This crucial step sends a clear and resolute message to the Taliban’s oppressive regime: their heinous crimes against women and humanity will not go unnoticed or unpunished. It marks a significant milestone toward achieving long-overdue justice for the women and girls of Afghanistan.
We call on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union (EU), regional countries, and the United States of America (USA) to support this process by pursuing legal action against all individuals complicit in implementing policies and decisions that grossly violate the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. This initiative not only strengthens the advocacy efforts of civil society organizations working within and outside Afghanistan but also represents an essential step toward ending impunity and restoring hope for justice.
The Afghanistan Women Foundation urges the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prioritize addressing the gross violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan. The systematic oppression and gender-based violence inflicted on Afghan women and girls demand immediate global attention and action.
The AWF remains steadfast in our commitment to advocacy and collaboration with international institutions in documenting crimes, advancing justice, and implementing a comprehensive human rights mandate. The ICC’s decision reinforces global norms against impunity and underscores the international community’s responsibility to stand against such egregious violations.
We call on the ICC to expedite the implementation of its orders and to continue its pursuit of justice for Afghan women and girls. This decision is not just a legal milestone but also a beacon of hope for millions of Afghan women who await justice and a brighter future.