Richard Bennett: ICC arrest warrant request gives hope to women and girls in Afghanistan

The 12th Herat Security Dialogue began today in Madrid, with scholars, diplomats, and human rights activists attending. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett highlighted the ICC’s arrest warrant request, offering hope to Afghan women and girls.

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, stated that the request for an arrest warrant against the Taliban leader from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has given hope to Afghanistan’s women and girls.

During the 12th Herat Security Dialogue conference held in Madrid, Bennett emphasized that the request from the ICC prosecutor has encouraged women and girls, who have been most affected by the Taliban’s restrictions, to continue fighting for their rights.

Mr. Bennett remarked that for years, it was said that words and condemnation were not enough; action was needed against the Taliban’s restrictions. He considered the arrest warrant request as a significant step in this regard.

Bennett added that if the arrest warrants for the Taliban’s leader and chief justice are issued, it would make it difficult for the world to improve relations with the group and recognize them. This would send a clear message that the Taliban is far from gaining international recognition.

Furthermore, Bennett stressed that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan must be an integral part of any peace and negotiation process in Afghanistan. He noted that while the world is facing a regression in women’s rights, the deterioration of women’s conditions in Afghanistan is unparalleled by any other country.

The 12th Herat Security Dialogue, which is held annually by the Institute of Strategic Studies Afghanistan, began on Monday, February 24, in Madrid, Spain. Experts, former Afghanistan government officials, human rights activists, and politicians have gathered to discuss Afghanistan’s security outlook and future.

The conference also saw the participation of some U.S. diplomats and regional politicians, emphasizing the international importance of addressing the challenges facing Afghanistan.

In light of these discussions, it is evident that the situation of Afghanistan women remains a critical point of focus for the international community.

The international community must ensure that Afghanistan’s women and girls are not forgotten in global conversations about peace and human rights. It is vital that countries continue to demand accountability and support Afghanistan women in their ongoing fight for equality and dignity.

 

Richard Bennett: ICC arrest warrant request gives hope to women and girls in Afghanistan