New York (TDI): Several countries are initiating legal action against Taliban government in Afghanistan that could lead to litigations at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Taliban are accused of systematically suppressing girls and women in the country.
According to AFP, Australia, Canada, Germany and The Netherlands announced in New York that they were initiating the proceedings against Taliban, that could lead to a hearing at the International Court of Justice, UN’s top court.
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On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters that Taliban have demonstrated their contempt for human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls.
She blamed them of systematic oppression adding that the legal is led by Germany and described the push as unprecedented.
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The four countries are reportedly understand that Afghanistan is flouting the Convention on the Elimination All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Wong urged Afghanistan to participate in negotiations as provided for by the convention.
If negotiations fail, the convention stipulates that any party to the dispute can request arbitration.
In case of disagreement over arbitration and no agreement within six months, any party can then refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice and Afghanistan is a party in this case .
Taliban authorities have implemented a specific interpretation of Sharia since 2001 when it captured power following the withdrawal of the US-led forces.
Women and girls are barred from public parks, universities and other public places and the United Nations has labelled it as gender apartheid.
On Monday, American actor Meryl Streep called for an end to the restrictions on women.
Meanwhile, over 20 countries issued a statement in support of the four countries’ legal action against Afghanistan for its alleged systematic violation of the convention and discrimination against women.
Though ICJ rulings are legally binding on parties but the forum has no mechanism for implementation of its verdicts.
