Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the Australian government may introduce new sanctions against the Taliban in Afghanistan over their continued repression of women, girls, and minprity groups.
In a statement released on Thursday (November 13), HRW said Canberra is currently reviewing proposed amendments to its sanctions regulations. The organisation described the proposed changes as an important step toward holding Taliban officials and other perpetrators of serious human rights violations in Afghanistan accountable.
According to HRW, the amended “autonomous sanctions” framework introduces new criteria specifically related to Afghanistan. These changes would allow Australia to impose targeted sanctions and travel bans on individuals and entities involved in the repression of women, girls, and minorities, or those undermining the rule of law and good governance in the country.
“It’s crucial for the Australian government to take action against Taliban leaders responsible for the assault on women and girls’ rights and other egregious abuses in Afghanistan,” said Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch.
She added that the new sanctions framework would enable Australia to join other countries that have already taken steps to respond to the Taliban’s widespread and systematic oppression.
Since retaking power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, barring them from education and most forms of employment.
UN experts have described the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls as “gender persecution amounting to crimes against humanity”, and warned that their policies could constitute “gender apartheid.”
The International Criminal Court has reportedly issued arrest warrants for the Taliban’s supreme leader and chief justice on charges of gender-based crimes against humanity.
