Russia became the first country to formally recognize [6] the Taliban government in Afghanistan on July 3, with the Taliban flag raised [7] at the Afghan embassy in Moscow. Earlier this year, Russia removed [8] the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, citing "the need for cooperation in combating drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as building economic ties."
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, with the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Since then, human rights organizations have reported [13] on the worsening situation in Afghanistan. In February, rights groups noted [14] a decline in media freedom, including restrictions on political programming by local broadcast outlets, and an increase in harassment and detention of journalists.
In April of this year, UN experts urged [15] the Taliban to terminate capital and corporal punishments after four public executions took place. The experts identified capital and corporal punishment as a violation of international law, including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [16].
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan shared [9] evidence of systematic discrimination against women [10] in May, stating that girls are denied education after grade six, including higher education; women are often barred from accessing services such as clinics, markets, and public transportation, unless accompanied by a male guardian; and women-operated places of employment are actively being shut down. UNICEF called [17] on the Taliban in March to lift the ban on girls' education, pointing to dire consequences for the economy, the health system, and overall development.
In June, UN experts raised [18] concerns over the dismantling of Afghanistan's legal and institutional frameworks, charging that the rule of law has been replaced with targeted policies suppressing the autonomy of women and gender minorities, including access to justice. The Taliban have dismissed all judges appointed by the previous government, replacing them with Taliban-affiliated judges who often lack legal training. In addition, Taliban authorities prevent women from registering as lawyers.
Earlier this year, the Taliban rejected [19] International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction, after the ICC prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Taliban leaders. The Taliban cited religious and national values as reasons for the voidance of the Rome Statute [20].
From JURIST [21], July 5. Used with permission.
See our last report [22] on moves toward recognition of the Taliban regime.
