India’s decision to re-engage diplomatically with the Taliban marks a significant shift in its regional approach. Following the collapse of the previous Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani in 2021, India faced a major setback to its two-decade-long investments in Afghanistan’s development and democratic institutions.
The Taliban, an ultraconservative Islamic political group, retook control of Kabul a little more than three years ago, dashing many Afghans’ hopes for a tolerant, democratic government.
CSA’s statement came after it was criticised for engaging in a brief white ball series against Afghanistan from activist organisation Lawyers for Human Rights, which said that by doing so, South Africa were tacitly endorsing a repressive regime.
The Taliban’s announcement banning women’s voices and bare faces in public marks another troubling chapter in the erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The recent UN-led meeting in Doha marked a significant moment for international diplomacy as the Taliban participated for the first time. This event has sparked varied reactions globally
In the statement, the countries said they were united in condemnation of the announcement of a ban on teenage girls' schools saying the declaration contradicts the Taliban's pledges to the Afghan public and the International Community.
"The de facto authorities' failure to adhere to commitments to reopen schools for girls above the sixth grade - in spite of repeated commitments towards girls' education, including during my visit to Kabul two weeks ago - is deeply damaging for Afghanistan", High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.
According to HRW, women and girls are blocked from accessing health care as well. Reports suggest that women and girls facing violence have no escape route.
The complaint was filed through Avi Singh at Cicero Chambers, a lawyer with extensive experience in international criminal law, who is representing the family, read a statement issued by the Cicero Chambers, a New Delhi-based law firm.
Following the Taliban takeover in August last year, thousands of Afghans left the country fearing reprisal from the Islamic group.
