Participation of the Afghanistan Organization for Development of Human Rights (AODHR) in the 24rth Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC)

The Afghanistan Organization for Development of Human Rights (AODHR) participated in the 24th Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the ICC (1-6 December, The Hague) to ensure crimes by the Taliban remain a priority for international justice.

Core Activities & Focus

1. High-Level Meetings: AODHR met with the President, Prosecutor, and Registrar of the ICC to present evidence of widespread Taliban violations, including:
   • Extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests.
   • Systematic violence against women/girls and minorities.
   • Persecution of former officials and suppression of activists.
2. Key Demands: AODHR urged the ICC to strengthen its Afghanistan investigation and enhance cooperation with Afghan civil society. ICC officials reaffirmed the Court’s jurisdiction.
3. Plenary Statement: AODHR delivered a joint civil society statement, calling on Member States to:
   • Provide stronger political and financial support for the ICC’s Afghanistan probe.
   • Facilitate humanitarian visas for at-risk activists.

Outcome

Participation led to enhanced engagement with ICC senior leadership, reaffirmed commitment from the Court to monitor the situation, and increased visibility of the human rights crisis under the Taliban rule. AODHR strengthened international partnerships to continue advocating for justice and accountability.