ICC seeks arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over women’s rights violations

The Afghan Women’s Movement for Justice and Awareness has praised the International Criminal Court (ICC) for requesting arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials, including their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, for the persecution of women.

The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, made the announcement on Thursday, marking a significant step in holding the Taliban accountable for its actions since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Under the Taliban’s rule, women have been banned from working, entering most public spaces, and pursuing education beyond sixth grade. The women’s group described the court’s decision as a “great historical achievement” and a symbol of Afghan women’s strength.

Separately, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the ongoing ban on girls’ education, which has lasted over three years. Afghanistan remains the only country where women and girls are explicitly denied all levels of education.