ICC issues arrest warrants against Taliban leaders for gender persecution

On July 8, 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued warrants of arrest for two prominent leaders of the Taliban, Haibatullah Akhunzada, the Supreme Leader, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Chief Justice, stemming from their roles in the systematic persecution of women and girls in Afghanistan. This action follows a broad array of oppressive measures the Taliban has enforced since they seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, resulting in severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls. The Taliban has imposed rules preventing women from working, traveling without a male guardian, and even expressing themselves publicly, effectively criminalizing their existence in many aspects of society. The ICC's decision to issue these warrants comes after extensive consideration of the human rights violations observed under Taliban rule. These violations, which are categorized as crimes against humanity, have provoked international outrage and condemnation. The court noted that both leaders have actively participated in or been complicit in these actions as a part of the Taliban’s broader discriminatory policies against women and girls since they regained power. Legal experts have drawn parallels between these discriminatory practices and informal systems of gender apartheid, highlighting that although gender apartheid itself isn't yet classified as an international crime, the systematic and severe deprivation of women’s rights is undoubtedly punishable under current international law, particularly under the Rome Statute. The warrants represent acknowledgment of the urgent need to hold these individuals accountable amidst growing concerns about global human rights standards and the safety of vulnerable populations in conflict zones, particularly women. Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has reiterated the critical nature of these decisions, arguing that the cumulative effect of the Taliban’s restrictions can be seen as an attempt to eliminate the very identity and rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. He expressed that the international community must respond actively to these violations while advocating for solutions and support for those impacted by such repressive regimes. The issuance of these arrest warrants signals a significant step taken by the ICC toward combating gender persecution on international levels, appealing for justice in a landscape where oppressive regimes disregard fundamental human rights. As the international community monitors this situation closely, the actions taken by the ICC will be pivotal in determining the future of women's rights not just in Afghanistan, but globally, pushing for recognition of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and discrimination worldwide.