Efforts to bring the Taliban government to the International Court of Justice intensify – World

The Taliban government of Afghanistan is facing increasing legal difficulties in international forums, especially due to violations of the rights of women and girls. Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands have issued a joint announcement in New York that they will initiate legal proceedings against the Taliban in the International Court of Justice.

Background to legal proceedings

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking to reporters during the United Nations General Assembly session, said that the Taliban has violated human rights, especially the basic rights of women and girls. He further said that the Taliban is systematically oppressing women, which is a clear violation of international law.

Violation of international convention

Penny Wong explained that the legal action would be led by Germany, and that it was an “unusual” move. He said that all four countries agree that Afghanistan is violating the international convention, Afghanistan has signed this convention, so action can be taken against its current government officials.

Negotiation and Arbitration

Penny Wong called on Afghanistan to join the talks under this international convention. According to the international convention, if negotiations fail, the parties involved can request arbitration to resolve the dispute. If no consensus is reached within six months, then either side can take the matter to the International Court of Justice.

Taliban restrictions

Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed strict restrictions on women and girls under their own interpretation of Islamic law. As a result, more than 20 countries issued a joint statement in New York supporting legal action by the four countries that intend to bring the Taliban before the International Court of Justice.

Role of the International Court of Justice

The judgments of the International Court of Justice are legally enforceable, but the court does not have a specific mechanism to implement these judgments. Nevertheless, it is an important international step towards holding the Taliban government accountable for its violations of women’s rights.