Australia has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on four senior officials in Afghanistan’s Taliban government, citing a worsening human rights situation in the country, particularly for women and girls.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the officials, including three Taliban ministers and the group’s chief justice, were directly involved in the oppression of women and girls and in undermining good governance and the rule of law. She said the action targets those responsible for restricting access to education, employment, freedom of movement and participation in public life for women and girls.
The sanctions were enforced under a new Australian government framework that allows the country to directly impose financial penalties and travel bans. Wong said the move is intended to increase pressure on the Taliban and demonstrate Australia’s commitment to defending human rights.
The Taliban has faced international criticism since regaining power in August 2021 for imposing severe limits on the freedoms of women and girls. While the group claims it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, the international community has repeatedly rejected these claims.
Australia was among several nations that withdrew troops from Afghanistan in 2021 after two decades of involvement as part of a NATO-led mission. Following the Taliban takeover, Australia accepted thousands of Afghan evacuees, mostly women and children, as Afghanistan continues to face a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the officials, including three Taliban ministers and the group’s chief justice, were directly involved in the oppression of women and girls and in undermining good governance and the rule of law. She said the action targets those responsible for restricting access to education, employment, freedom of movement and participation in public life for women and girls.
The sanctions were enforced under a new Australian government framework that allows the country to directly impose financial penalties and travel bans. Wong said the move is intended to increase pressure on the Taliban and demonstrate Australia’s commitment to defending human rights.
The Taliban has faced international criticism since regaining power in August 2021 for imposing severe limits on the freedoms of women and girls. While the group claims it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, the international community has repeatedly rejected these claims.
Australia was among several nations that withdrew troops from Afghanistan in 2021 after two decades of involvement as part of a NATO-led mission. Following the Taliban takeover, Australia accepted thousands of Afghan evacuees, mostly women and children, as Afghanistan continues to face a deepening humanitarian crisis.
