The International Criminal Court (ICC) is pursuing arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan for their systematic persecution of women, which constitutes a crime against humanity. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has identified Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani as key figures responsible for these violations, which also target the LGBTQ community. Khan described the situation as “unprecedented and unconscionable,” stressing that such treatment of Afghan women and girls is unacceptable.

The ICC, based in The Hague, has asked its judges to review the application, a process that could take weeks or months. The court relies on its member states for enforcement, meaning those subject to arrest warrants cannot safely travel to these nations. Khan also announced plans to pursue charges against other Taliban officials, citing evidence of crimes such as murder, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and other inhumane acts against perceived opposition.

Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women, barring them from education, employment, public spaces, and even basic freedoms like traveling without a male guardian. Their decrees, justified as interpretations of Islamic law, have led to what the UN calls “gender apartheid.” The international community has condemned these actions, but the Taliban remains unyielding, dismissing criticism and citing their laws as providing for all citizens’ rights. These policies continue to hinder the Taliban’s efforts to gain official recognition on the global stage.