Germany, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, UN to Take Taliban to ICJ Over Gender Discrimination

Sep 26, 2024, 02:41 AM

Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada have announced their intention to refer the Taliban to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague over severe violations of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan. This unprecedented move marks the first use of the ICJ to challenge a government for systematic gender discrimination. The proceedings will be initiated under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Over 20 countries have voiced their support for this proposed legal action. The Taliban have denied the allegations, with their deputy asserting no gender discrimination. Germany’s Foreign Ministry described the Taliban’s policies as 'crimes against female humanity.' The UN has also attempted to take the Taliban to court. The Open Society Justice Initiative has praised the declarations from the involved countries. Afghanistan will have six months to respond before the ICJ holds a hearing.