The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that it has received a case regarding human rights violations against women in Afghanistan, submitted by six countries.
The six countries—Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Luxembourg, and Mexico—referred the case to the ICC on November 29, 2024. This is in response to the worsening human rights situation, particularly for women and girls in Afghanistan.
The ICC’s Chief Prosecutor welcomed the referral, stating that his office’s investigations into human rights violations in Afghanistan have made significant progress and the results will be announced soon.
The six countries expressed deep concern over the severe human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the violations against women and girls since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed that his office has already launched investigations into the alleged crimes in Afghanistan, including human rights violations against women, and will continue these efforts.
The Prosecutor emphasized that investigations have been independent, impartial, and focused on allegations of gender-based discrimination and harassment.
The ICC’s investigation into human rights violations in Afghanistan reflects its broader commitment to holding accountable those responsible for gender-based crimes, including crimes against humanity and gender-based harassment.
The ICC’s ongoing work in Afghanistan is crucial in ensuring accountability for gender-based violence. The Prosecutor has called on all countries, especially those party to the Rome Statute, to continue their support and provide necessary resources for the investigations.
ICC Prosecutor: Significant progress in Gender Discrimination Investigation in Afghanistan
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has spoken out against the restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban on women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that justice and equality for Afghanistan’s women and girls are non-negotiable.
In a statement made on Friday, November 29, as part of the 16-day campaign to eliminate violence against women, Volker Turk highlighted the severe erosion of human rights for women in Afghanistan over the past three years.
Turk pointed to the Taliban’s restrictions on education and employment for women, stating that these actions have effectively excluded women and girls from public life, turning them into “virtual prisoners in their homes.”
He emphasized that the current treatment of women constitutes systematic gender-based harassment. He also warned that these bans would have “catastrophic” intergenerational effects on the country’s future, particularly in terms of peace and sustainable development.
The High Commissioner stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of Afghanistan’s women and girls by any means possible, including through investigations by the International Criminal Court regarding gender-based violence and discussions on gender apartheid.
Volker Turk also expressed full support for initiatives aimed at exploring new ideas and approaches to addressing gender justice and accountability. He called for decisive actions by the Taliban to fulfill their non-negotiable human rights commitments.
The situation in Afghanistan remains dire for women and girls under the Taliban’s rule. The international community, including the UN, continues to call for urgent reforms and accountability to restore basic human rights, ensuring that the voices of Afghan women are heard and their rights fully upheld.
The path to justice and equality remains critical for Afghanistan’s future stability and development.
UN Commissioner: Justice for women and girls in Afghanistan is non-negotiable
Afghans living abroad are flocking back to visit relatives for the first time since the Taliban takeover. Severe restrictions on women are not top of mind.
KABUL — For the first time since the Taliban takeover three years ago, Afghans living outside the country have begun flocking back to their homeland, usually to visit relatives who have remained in Afghanistan.
Upon their return, few seem preoccupied by the Taliban’s increasingly draconian restrictions on women — including bans on women going to university and school above sixth grade — or by the reluctance of many local women to leave their homes out of fear of encountering the morality police, according to interviews with residents and visitors.
Instead, many of the visitors, carrying foreign passports or visas, marvel about the sense of security and the construction of new roads under Taliban rule. They post photos of their favorite Afghan dishes, discuss business plans and shop in the Kabul airport’s new duty-free store.
During a recent family trip to Kabul — her first since the Taliban takeover three years ago after years of war — Zahra, 34, was pleasantly surprised. “There’s freedom now,” said Zahra, an Afghan who lives in London. She indulged herself in shopping for gold jewelry and is already planning another trip to Afghanistan next year.
For Afghan women who have had to live under Taliban rule, the enthusiasm of visiting relatives can be puzzling and, increasingly, frustrating.
The Taliban further tightened its restrictions three months ago, even banning women from raising their voices in public. But visitors often spend so much time at relatives’ homes that the absence of women in many public spaces can go unnoticed, some hosting families said in interviews. Many visitors also spend their time primarily in more affluent parts of Kabul, where enforcement by the morality police remains relatively rare.
Some of the returning Afghans actually appear drawn to life under the Taliban because their own experiences in the West have proved to be more challenging than expected.
“The quality of life in Afghanistan, especially under the Taliban, is better than in Germany,” said Ali, a 65-year-old Afghan German who recently visited the country and reconnected with a conservative culture he says he feels closer to. Like others interviewed for this story, he spoke on the condition that only his first name be published for fear of drawing unwanted scrutiny.
Some Afghan women say they no longer try to convince their cousins, uncles or aunts about how dire the situation has become, including the heightened efforts by the morality police, reinforced by many newly hired officers, to look for women who violate the regime’s strict hijab mandate and other religious rules.
When her female cousins visited from Europe this year for the first time since the Taliban took power, Sadia, 24, said she struggled. “I tried to explain to them how the Taliban has destroyed all the dreams I worked so hard to achieve,” she recalled. “They kept saying how happy they are here, and how safe it is now. These are the things that impact them directly.”
Afghan culture dictates that relatives and guests be treated with respect, so Sadia — like others in similar situations — eventually gave up, she said.
“But what value does safety have when you lose all your dreams for it?” she asked.
Trendy dining and fine shopping
On arrival, Kabul can be surprising for those who have been away.
Rather than the eerily empty city that locals described to their relatives abroad in the early days of Taliban rule, visitors now find a crowded capital where dismantled blast walls have revealed pomegranate trees along the roads. Most residents struggle to make a living, but anyone who can afford it is able to choose among an array of trendy restaurants. Many are so empty that each guest has a dedicated waiter.
When wide-eyed customers show up at Mirwais Sarmastzada’s furniture store, he knows they’re back in the country for the first time in years or decades. “Many are stunned to see such high-quality beds produced here in Afghanistan,” Sarmastzada said. He said Afghans from abroad now account for 3 in 4 customers, and their number is growing.
The Taliban-run government has not released figures on how many foreign Afghans have visited the country since 2021, but some traders say that rising interest from abroad is offsetting weak domestic demand.
None of the people interviewed for this story said they intend to return to Afghanistan permanently. Most come back for weddings, to which Afghan families traditionally invite hundreds of relatives and guests. Others are here for extended family reunions, which last weeks and even months, or to explore business opportunities.
Over French breakfast or Turkish coffee, returning Afghans can be overheard discussing plans for the future. Habib Rahman, a 60-year-old engineer who moved to Germany over four decades ago, said he was unaware of the nightly blasts and gunshots that can be heard in central Kabul these days and that are frequently carried out by anti-Taliban groups. He feels just as safe in Kabul as in Europe, he said.
While sipping tea at a French restaurant, he recalled how he was among the many Afghans in Germany who feared the worst when the Taliban took over in August 2021. And he, like some other returnees, said he was disappointed by the newly promulgated rules, like the one banning women from raising their voices.
But also like many other visitors, his impressions are mostly positive. At most 5 percent of Afghans are unhappy, he said, based on his own conversations.
The darkest of times
For Qudsia, 53, it doesn’t feel that way. After the Taliban came to power, she said, she sometimes sought temporary refuge near a lake in western Kabul, away from the country’s new rulers.
But when she returned there with her family this month, morality police officers were waiting. They rushed toward her and asked her to leave immediately.
“Ever since I was born, there hasn’t been a darker time in this country,” she said, as she climbed back into her car.
Many women say they believe that hard-liners close to the Taliban leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, have entrenched themselves in power. Moderates have either failed to soften the regime’s edicts or were never serious about doing so, these woman say.
The Taliban does not deny that its grip has tightened since 2021. “The mixing of genders has been completely stopped,” Saif al-Rahman Khaybar, the spokesman for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice that oversees the Taliban’s morality police, said in an interview in Kabul this month.
Khaybar said the rules apply to all Afghan Muslims, including returnees and visitors. “We haven’t encountered any challenges with them,” he said.
Some Afghan women say that visiting relatives are deceived by what appears to be lax enforcement and are falling for the Taliban strategy of enforcing the rules only intermittently and counting on fear to deliver compliance.
But at times, even visiting relatives face the severe reality. When an aunt of 23-year-old Beheshta recently returned to Kabul, she was initially happy — until she was scolded at a checkpoint for not fully covering her hair.
“After that, she rebooked her flight to leave sooner,” Beheshta said. “We don’t have that option.”
Lutfullah Qasimyar contributed to this report.
Women despair over Taliban rules, but many Afghan returnees don’t see it
Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, France, Luxembourg, and Mexico have referred the case of women’s rights violations in Afghanistan to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
These six countries called on the ICC prosecutor on Thursday to investigate the ongoing and systematic violations of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile announced on Thursday, November 28, that due to the deteriorating conditions and the critical situation for women and girls in Afghanistan, the case has been referred to the ICC.
This highlights the international concern over the worsening human rights crisis in the country.
According to the report, the ICC prosecutor resumed investigations into Afghanistan in 2022, after they were paused in 2020 at the request of Afghan officials. This resumption emphasizes the urgency of addressing the ongoing human rights abuses in the country.
The six countries involved in the referral have specifically requested the ICC to focus on the situation of Afghan women and girls, who are facing constant and systematic violations of their rights. They have urged the prosecutor to consider the crimes committed against women and girls since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
The referral to the ICC marks a significant step in the international community’s response to the human rights violations in Afghanistan. If the investigations yield evidence of crimes against Afghan women and girls, it could lead to increased political and diplomatic pressure on the current administration, including potential international condemnation and sanctions.
The plight of Afghan women and girls has become a focal point of international concern. The restrictions on their basic rights, including access to education, work, and public life, have led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The referral of this case to the ICC may not only lead to greater international scrutiny of the Taliban’s actions but could also pave the way for legal consequences for the leaders responsible for these widespread violations.
6 countries refer Afghanistan’s women’s rights violations to International Criminal Court
An Iranian official stated that every year, 1.2 million undocumented migrants are deported from Iran.
Nader Yarahmadi, head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants in Iran, stated that each year, 1.2 million undocumented migrants are deported from the country. He warned undocumented migrants to leave voluntarily, or face forced deportation.
In a meeting of the Foreign Nationals Organization Committee on Thursday, November 28, Yarahmadi explained that people who have entered Iran “illegally” are being deported without facing punishment.
He described the Iranian government’s decision not to penalize these migrants as the “best help” they can offer.
Yarahmadi emphasized that individuals intending to migrate to Iran should follow the legal procedures for obtaining residence permits. He added that his department is providing assistance to undocumented migrants who wish to return “with dignity,” but warned that those who do not comply would be forcibly deported.
Ali Baqeri, Director-General for Employment of Foreign Nationals at Iran’s Ministry of Labor, shared that less than 5% of the workforce in Iran is made up of migrants.
He also mentioned that a list of job opportunities, based on provincial needs, is given to employers, allowing them to hire migrants only when Iranian workers are unavailable.
Previously, Iranian officials announced that by the end of this year, they plan to expel 2 million undocumented migrants from the country. This move comes amid increasing pressure on the Iranian government to manage its growing migrant population, particularly from neighboring Afghanistan.
The forced deportation of Afghan migrants, many of whom have fled the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, adds to the already dire humanitarian crisis. With severe winter conditions approaching, the situation for Afghan refugees in the country becoming increasingly desperate, as many face the harsh reality of being sent back to unstable and dangerous conditions.
As the winter intensifies, the lack of shelter, food, and healthcare for deported refugees will likely lead to a greater humanitarian disaster, placing additional pressure on Afghanistan and international organizations to find sustainable solutions.
1.2 million migrants deported from Iran annually: Iranian Official
The question now is how effective China’s efforts will be in addressing Afghanistan’s current crisis.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined details of the nine-day visit of its Special Representative for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, in a statement.
According to the statement, Yue Xiaoyong engaged in deep discussions about China’s relations with the caretaker government and practical cooperation in various fields during his visit to Afghanistan.
The statement reads: “During his visit to Afghanistan, Special Envoy Yue had in-depth exchanges with senior officials of the Afghan Interim Government on China-Afghanistan relations and practical cooperation in various fields.”
“China aims to strengthen its strategic political and economic ties with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” said Sadiq Shinwari, a political and military affairs expert.
During his trip, Yue Xiaoyong also visited Turkmenistan and Pakistan, where he met with foreign ministry officials from both countries and discussed Afghanistan-related issues.
The question now is how effective China’s efforts will be in addressing Afghanistan’s current crisis.
“China is one of the five countries with veto power in the United Nations and has maintained very good relations with Afghanistan’s current government over the past three and a half years. I hope these relations will revolve around safeguarding the national interests of both sides,” said Mohammad Zalmay Afghanyar, a political affairs expert.
China and Russia are among the countries close to Afghanistan’s caretaker government and have repeatedly emphasized their support for Afghanistan in achieving peace and stability.
He said that Russia has bilateral relations with Afghanistan’s interim government.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed building strong relations with Afghanistan.
At the conclusion of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit, Putin stated that the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan cannot be ignored.
He said that Russia has bilateral relations with Afghanistan’s interim government.
The Russian President said: “We cannot ignore the fact that the situation in the country is stabilizing. We are engaged in bilateral relations with Afghanistan’s current authorities, and these relations will further expand.”
The CSTO leaders’ summit was held on Thursday in Astana, Kazakhstan.
In the summit’s final statement, participants emphasized the importance of forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan and called on Afghanistan’s interim government to fulfill its commitments regarding human rights, particularly women’s rights, and to take serious action in combating terrorism.
The joint statement of CSTO member countries stated that they consider the expansion of regional coordination in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking essential. And they urged the governing authorities in Afghanistan to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and drug trafficking.
“The fight against terrorism and drug trafficking is not only the responsibility of Afghans. Regional countries and the international community must support us. The establishment of an inclusive and comprehensive government is the responsibility of the Afghan people; they must decide what kind of system they want,” said Salim Paigir, a political affairs analyst.
Although the Islamic Emirate has not commented on this matter, it has consistently assured the international community that Afghanistan’s territory will remain secure for all countries worldwide.
Putin: Bilateral Relations With Interim Govt Will ‘Further Expand’
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that opium production in Afghanistan is still 93% lower than in 2022, but it has increased by about 30% in 2024.
In its latest report, published on Wednesday, November 27, the UNODC notes that the level of opium production in Afghanistan has remained low for the second consecutive year.
According to the report, opium production in Afghanistan dropped by 93% after the Taliban imposed a ban on poppy cultivation. However, production in 2024 has increased by 30% compared to 2023.
The UN report shows that opium production in 2024 reached 433 tons, marking a 30% increase in production volume. Additionally, 12,800 hectares of land were used for poppy cultivation this year, representing a 19% increase in the area cultivated compared to 2023.
The value of the opium produced in 2024 is estimated at $260 million, reflecting a 130% increase from the previous year.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UNODC, stated that “international efforts must be coordinated to ensure that this reduction does not lead to the production of other dangerous drugs like methamphetamine within Afghanistan or the region.”
She also emphasized the need to support rural communities dependent on poppy cultivation by investing in infrastructure, agricultural resources, and sustainable livelihoods to provide legal and economic alternatives.
The increase in opium production in 2024 is concerning, especially in the context of international efforts to combat drug trafficking and addiction. The rise in opium value also suggests that the country’s drug trade remains a major challenge.
To effectively reduce opium production, there must be long-term solutions that address both the economic needs of farmers and the broader regional impact of drug production. Investment in legal alternatives and infrastructure could help transition rural communities away from illicit crop cultivation.
Opium production in Afghanistan sees 30% increase in 2024: UN Report
The Federation for Immigration Reform in the U.S. has reported a significant increase in the number of Afghan migrants crossing a key immigration passage at the Panama-Colombia border in their attempt to reach the U.S.
According to the report, which was published on Tuesday, November 26, the number of Afghan migrants has increased from 98 individuals between 2010 and 2020 to 8,294 individuals between 2021 and 2024.
This sharp increase in migration to the United States has occurred during the period of Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
Following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, international reports indicate that over eight million people have fled Afghanistan. This unprecedented “mass migration” has been described as a major humanitarian crisis.
The Federation for Immigration Reform in the U.S. also highlighted the trend of increased migration through the Darien Gap over the past four years (2021-2024) compared to the previous decade (2010-2020).
The report particularly expressed concern about migrants from Afghanistan and China. There has been increased concern about Afghan migrants in the U.S. after American forces thwarted a terrorist attack by an Afghan national during the U.S. elections.
Some U.S. senators are worried that the Chinese government might be using migrants as a means of espionage within the country.
The rise in Afghan migration can be seen as part of a broader trend of displacement caused by conflict, political instability, and economic hardship in many regions of the world. As the number of Afghan refugees continues to grow, the international community faces a pressing challenge in providing adequate support and ensuring that migrants are treated with dignity and respect.
The issue also raises important questions about migration policies and security concerns, particularly in the U.S., where the increasing number of migrants from countries like Afghanistan and China has prompted discussions about national security. Moving forward, there needs to be a balance between humanitarian aid and security measures to address both the needs of refugees and the safety concerns of host nations.
Sharp rise in Afghan migrants crossing Panama-Colombia border to reach US
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, based on a decision by the ECO Secretariat, the Islamic Emirate has not been invited to participate in the meeting.
The meeting of foreign ministers from member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is scheduled to take place on December 3-4 in Mashhad, Iran.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that, based on a decision by the ECO Secretariat, the Islamic Emirate has not been invited to participate in the meeting.
So far, the Islamic Emirate has not commented on the matter.
Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, First Deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “Most countries want stable economic relations and cooperation with the region, including Afghanistan. However, some countries believe Afghanistan should be invited. Political issues may still be the reason for Afghanistan not being invited to this meeting.”
According to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, key topics of discussion at this meeting will include expanding intra-regional cooperation in areas such as transportation, the environment, and tourism.
Some economic experts believe that having Afghanistan represented at regional economic meetings is of great importance in the current context.
Shams-ur-Rahman Ahmadi, an economic expert, said: “A representative of the Islamic Emirate should have been invited to this ECO meeting.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtya, another economic expert, stated: “Afghanistan is a prominent member of the ECO, and without its cooperation, the organization cannot achieve its pre-defined goals. Afghanistan’s position as a connection point among member countries is crucial.”
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan with the aim of strengthening economic, trade, and cultural cooperation among member states.
The organization expanded in 1992 to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as members.
ECO now has 10 member states and is considered one of the key regional cooperation organizations in Central and Western Asia.
Islamic Emirate Not Invited to ECO Foreign Ministers Meeting
Afghanistan Peace Campaign
