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The International Criminal Court Urged to Prosecute Taliban Leaders for Denying Education and Employment to Afghan Girls and Women
The U.N. special envoy for global education, Gordon Brown, has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute Taliban leaders for a crime against humanity. Brown argues that the denial of education and employment opportunities to Afghan girls and women by the Taliban is a clear violation of their rights and should be treated as a gender discrimination crime punishable by the ICC.
Gross Violation of Women’s and Girls’ Rights
Brown expressed his concerns during a virtual U.N. press conference on the second anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. He condemned the rulers of Afghanistan for perpetrating “the most egregious, vicious, and indefensible violation of women’s rights and girls’ rights in the world today.”
Taliban’s Regressive Policies
The Taliban regained power in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan. Similar to their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban swiftly reestablished their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, implementing policies that restricted educational opportunities for girls beyond the sixth grade and banning women from most jobs, public spaces, gyms, and even beauty salons. Brown argued that these oppressive measures have no basis in the Quran or the Islamic religion.
Call for Support from Muslim Countries
In an effort to challenge the Taliban’s policies, Brown urged major Muslim countries to send a delegation of clerics to Kandahar, the city where Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada resides. The purpose of this delegation would be to advocate for lifting the bans on women’s education and employment by emphasizing that such restrictions are not justified by Islamic scripture.
Internal Divisions within the Regime
Brown believes that a split exists within the Taliban regime, with some individuals in the education ministry and the government in Kabul supporting the restoration of girls’ rights to education. However, he noted that the clerics in Kandahar have strongly opposed such changes and continued to enforce discriminatory policies.
Taliban’s Resistance and Legitimacy
In an interview with the Associated Press, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, dismissed questions regarding the restrictions imposed on girls and women. He asserted that the status quo would remain and that the Taliban’s rule of Afghanistan was based on Islamic law, enjoying legitimate authority without significant threats.
Linking Aid to Educational Opportunities
Brown emphasized that the restoration of girls’ access to secondary school and university education is a critical condition for reinstating educational aid to Afghanistan, which had been reduced following the imposition of restrictions. He further called for monitoring and reporting on abuses, imposing sanctions on those directly responsible for the bans, and freeing individuals imprisoned for advocating women’s and girls’ rights.
Targeting Women and Girls’ Rights
Brown highlighted that out of the 80 edicts issued by the Taliban, 54 explicitly target the rights of women and girls. These edicts continuously chip away at their rights, with recent measures including the ban on girls taking university exams and visiting public places, including cemeteries to pay respects to loved ones.
Supporting Education Through Innovative Measures
To ensure education reaches the people of Afghanistan despite government bans, the U.N. and other organizations have committed to sponsoring and funding internet learning for girls. Additionally, support for underground schools and educational opportunities for Afghan girls who have been forced to leave the country will be provided. New initiatives are also being implemented to deliver curriculum content through mobile phones, which are widely used in Afghanistan.
Persistent Efforts Needed
Brown acknowledged that despite the challenges and risks, many girls in Afghanistan are still striving to learn. He urged global action and pressure to convince the Taliban to restore the rights of women and girls. Brown emphasized the need for concrete actions rather than mere words, declaring that the international community must not allow another year to pass without providing sufficient support to empower girls and women in Afghanistan.
