The Gender Persecution in Afghanistan Accountability Working Group has issued a press release welcoming the International Criminal Court Prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against Taliban leaders Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for the crime against humanity of gender persecution.

The press release highlights the significance of this step for women, girls, LGBTQI+ people, and others targeted by the Taliban’s discriminatory policies and practices. It also emphasizes that this marks the first time in ICC history that LGBTQI+ people have been explicitly recognized in a request for accountability related to gender persecution.

Through statements from Afghan human rights advocates and GPWG members, the press release calls on governments and the international community to support justice for victims, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and ensure that Afghan women, girls, LGBTQI+ people, and survivors have a meaningful role in discussions about Afghanistan’s future.

Download the press release to learn more about this historic development and GPWG’s call for justice, accountability, and international solidarity.