Launch of an initiative on accountability for Afghanistan’s violations of CEDAW Declaration
NEW YORK 26 September 2024 —Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands will push to hold the Taliban accountable for abuses against Afghan women under CEDAW, ratified by Afghanistan in 2003. Other nations, including Belgium and Iceland, support the effort, which could lead to action at the International Court of Justice. The Open Society Justice Initiative urges more countries to join. Afghanistan is the only nation banning girls from education and severely restricting women's rights.
Here is the WomanPost Advocacy Timeline:
Without a doubt, the recent initiative by 25 countries for the women of Afghanistan is owed to the efforts of the large family of Afghan women and human rights defenders, and part of this recent achievement is the result of WomanPost's legal advocacy. Since the beginning of 2024, we have recognized the effectiveness and special position of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
In early 2024, WomanPost initiated legal advocacy following the situation in Afghanistan, highlighting the principles of Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP). In early June, after some time and coordination with the German Foreign Ministry, we submitted a letter to Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, requesting a review of the situation in Afghanistan using acceptable legal frameworks and the CEDAW convention. In late June, WomanPost succeeded in presenting its legal request in person at an international conference to the Foreign Minister.
This action also included reports; today's initiative by Germany and other countries is a vital step, and WomanPost has been a part of it. This initiative holds Afghanistan accountable under the CEDAW Declaration for violations of women's rights.
This action acknowledges the severe oppression Afghan women face and strives for international justice. It is a significant step for the WomanPost family. we are happy to be part of this advocacy for Afghan women.