International Pressure Mounts: Legal Action Against Taliban for Gender Discrimination

Four countries have vowed to hold Afghanistan's Taliban rulers accountable for gender discrimination and other human rights violations. Legal proceedings are being initiated under a UN convention on women, with over 20 nations supporting the move. The Taliban deny the accusations, claiming their actions align with Islamic law.

The Taliban on Thursday dismissed accusations of gender discrimination and human rights violations, as four countries prepare to hold Afghanistan's rulers accountable under international law for their treatment of women and girls.

Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands announced they would begin legal proceedings against the Taliban for violating a UN convention on women, to which Afghanistan is a party. The initiative was launched on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Despite the Taliban's promise of moderate rule after their 2021 takeover, they have restricted women's and girls' access to education, public spaces, and employment. In August, the Vice and Virtue Ministry issued laws banning women's bare faces and prohibiting them from raising their voices in public.

The Taliban deny all criticisms, asserting that their policies follow Islamic law. Human Rights Watch researcher Fereshta Abbasi called on more countries to support the legal action, which she believes could mark the beginning of justice for Afghan women and girls.

(With inputs from agencies.)