Australia to Impose Sanctions on Taliban Over Human Rights Violations

DID Press: Australia is reportedly reviewing updates to its sanctions framework in order to impose new restrictions on members of the Taliban government and other individuals responsible for human rights violations in Afghanistan, according to Human Rights Watch.

The human rights organization described the potential move as an important step toward accountability and justice.

Under the proposed amendments to the “Independent Sanctions Regulations,” the Australian government would have the authority to impose targeted sanctions and travel bans on individuals or entities in Afghanistan involved in suppressing women, girls, or minorities, or undermining governance and the rule of law. Those collaborating with such activities could also face restrictions.

Daniela Gavshon, Australia Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgency of action: “It is essential that the Australian government takes measures against Taliban leaders responsible for attacks on women’s and girls’ rights, as well as other serious human rights violations. These changes would allow Australia to join other countries standing against the Taliban’s widespread repression.”

Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, restrictions on women and girls have intensified dramatically. International observers have labeled these policies as “gender apartheid” and a potential crime against humanity. The Taliban have further curtailed civil liberties, imposed widespread media censorship, and detained or tortured journalists and civil society activists, severely constraining Afghanistan’s civic space.

Gavshon concluded that targeted sanctions may serve as an effective foreign policy tool to hold the Taliban accountable and increase the costs of human rights abuses in Afghanistan.