“A pivotal moment in our long-standing demand for accountability.”
On January 23, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it will apply for arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders for gender persecution, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Afghan girls and women. Under the Rome Statute, persecution on the grounds of gender is recognised as a crime against humanity. This landmark move not only acknowledges the extreme human rights violations committed under Taliban rule – including the prohibition of education for girls beyond grade six – but also strengthens the growing global call to recognise gender apartheid as a crime under international law.
The decision underscores the need for accountability and shines a light on the systemic violation of the rights of Afghan girls and women since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. “The decision to seek international arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders is a milestone in addressing the extreme injustices Afghan women and girls have faced under their regime,” says Sahar Halaimzai, Senior Director of Malala Fund’s Afghanistan Initiative.
“This measure highlights the severity of the crimes committed by Taliban leaders and strengthens the case to recognise gender apartheid as a distinct crime under international law. Afghan women have long demanded an end to the systemic violence, exclusion, and oppression they have endured. This move towards accountability acknowledges their calls for justice and reinforces the international community’s obligation to address policies and practices that institutionalise gender-based discrimination.” The ICC’s announcement comes amid a growing global movement from Afghan women activists who continue to resist the Taliban’s oppressive policies, from within the country and in the diaspora.
“For years, Afghan women and girls have led the fight for accountability and real action from the global community. Now, because of their relentless work, the movement to end the Taliban’s system of gender apartheid is growing,” Malala Fund co-founder Malala Yousafzai affirmed in her response to the ICC’s decision.
Malala Fund’s Afghanistan Initiative has been working with partners to advance the movement to end gender apartheid. The initiative aims to raise global awareness and strengthen networks of Afghan women activists and organisations campaigning for the recognition of gender apartheid in international law.
Malala Fund’s partners and other Afghan advocates also praised the ICC’s move as an essential step towards accountability and justice. “The ICC Office of the Prosecutor’s applications for arrest warrants recognizes and validates the profound suffering endured by women and girls under the Taliban’s gender apartheid — a pivotal moment in our long-standing demand for accountability.” — Metra Mehran
“It sets a crucial precedent for recognizing gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. This achievement stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of Afghanistan women and our global alliance who are advocating tirelessly for justice, humanity, and equality. I am sure that this is only the beginning, and this decision lays the foundation for broader global movements. It brings hope for countless Afghanistan women that their voices can lead to justice and change.” — Zarqa Yaftali
