RASC News Agency: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile has announced, in collaboration with Costa Rica, Spain, France, Luxembourg, and Mexico, that the case of systematic violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan has been officially referred to the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chilean government declared that this action was prompted by the deteriorating situation and the intensifying plight of Afghanistani women and girls.
The signatory states expressed profound concern over the continued and systematic violations of the fundamental rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. They underscored the urgency of drawing the ICC Prosecutor’s attention to the ongoing human rights abuses under Taliban rule. The statement emphasized:
“Considering the likelihood that one or more crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the Court have been committed, these states have urged the Prosecutor to investigate the crimes against women and girls perpetrated following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 as part of the ongoing inquiry into Afghanistan’s situation.”
The statement further elaborated that the objective of this referral is to determine whether specific individuals should be held accountable for crimes potentially committed since May 1, 2003. It concluded by reaffirming the unwavering support of the member states for the ICC’s mandate and their steadfast commitment to defending the rights of women globally. The ICC’s investigation into Afghanistan initially commenced in 2020. However, it was temporarily suspended at the request of Afghanistan authorities. The Prosecutor resumed the investigation in 2022 following the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights conditions under the Taliban regime.
This referral underscores the international community’s heightened resolve to confront the Taliban’s systemic repression of Afghanistani women and girls and to ensure justice for the victims of these egregious violations.
