THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 30: A general view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) building in The Hague, Netherlands on April 30, 2024. (Photo by Selman Aksunger/Anadolu via Getty Images)
(EPICSTORIAN) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally requested arrest warrants for two senior Taliban figures—Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani—on charges of crimes against humanity, citing gender-based persecution.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan declared that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe these Taliban officials have orchestrated the systematic oppression of Afghan women and girls.
The charges include forced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and other inhumane acts—a stark condemnation of the Taliban’s escalating brutality.
Though the ICC lacks direct enforcement capabilities, the court relies on international cooperation to execute arrests. The request must now undergo judicial approval before advancing further.
Taliban’s Crackdown on Women’s Rights
Since reclaiming power in August 2021, the Taliban has aggressively erased women from public life, violating their fundamental freedoms. Girls have been banned from universities, workplaces, and even public spaces, with draconian measures enforcing their invisibility.
The regime has gone so far as to mandate opaque window coverings in public buildings to prevent women from being seen, claiming that their presence could lead to “obscene acts.”
The Taliban’s initial assurances of a moderate governance approach have unraveled, replaced by severe oppression. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have labeled these policies as a blatant attack on human rights, calling for decisive international action.
Global Outrage and Calls for Justice
The ICC’s move has been met with widespread support from Afghan activists and human rights organizations. Many view it as a critical step toward accountability for the Taliban’s relentless suppression of women.
“This action reminds us that our voices are not forgotten,” an Afghan women’s rights activist stated. Human Rights Watch reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that the warrant applications serve as a “reminder that justice can prevail.”
Meanwhile, British-Afghan activist Shabnam Nasimi urged global institutions to leverage their influence in securing women’s fundamental rights, particularly access to education.
ICC’s Expanding War Crimes Investigation in Afghanistan
This legal action is part of a broader ICC investigation into war crimes committed across Afghanistan. Prosecutor Karim Khan has hinted at the possibility of additional arrest warrants, suggesting that other Taliban officials could soon be targeted.
However, international watchdogs emphasize that justice must extend beyond Taliban rule. Islamic State affiliates and foreign military forces involved in Afghanistan’s past conflicts should also be held accountable, legal experts argue. “True justice requires prosecuting all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation,” a senior human rights lawyer stated.
Challenges to ICC Enforcement Amid Taliban’s Diplomatic Ties
Despite global condemnation, the Taliban continues to engage diplomatically with certain nations, including Russia, China, and Pakistan. This complicates ICC efforts, as these non-signatory countries are not legally obligated to cooperate with the court.
While the Taliban remains globally isolated, some governments have maintained strategic engagements. The ICC’s legal pursuit could intensify diplomatic pressure, potentially forcing nations with Taliban ties to reconsider their stance.
