The United Nations Human Rights Council has taken a monumental step forward in the fight for justice in Afghanistan by adopting a resolution on October 6, 2025, to establish an independent mechanism designed to investigate both past and ongoing human rights violations. This resolution sends a clear and unequivocal message: those responsible for grievous crimes, including the Taliban, are on notice. Their day of reckoning is imminent, as the international community gears up to ensure accountability for these heinous acts.
The resolution, championed by the European Union and adopted by consensus, is a critical response to the widespread gender persecution currently inflicted upon women and girls under Taliban rule. It underscores the urgent need to address these abuses, which not only violate human rights but also reflect a systemic disregard for the dignity and autonomy of half of Afghanistan’s population. The newly formed mechanism will focus on collecting and preserving evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other grave rights abuses, with the aim of preparing cases for prosecution in both national and international courts.
Fereshta Abbasi, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, aptly encapsulated the significance of this resolution: it represents a collective commitment from the member states to confront and dismantle entrenched impunity in Afghanistan. The mechanism’s swift operationalization is crucial; delayed action will only allow the perpetrators of these crimes to solidify their power and further entrench a culture of violence and oppression.
This resolution is not just a legal or bureaucratic maneuver; it reflects a moral imperative to address the suffering of the Afghan people. Over the years, Afghan and international human rights organizations have called for accountability mechanisms, rallying together to demand justice for the countless victims of violence, terror, and oppression. The coalition led by HRD+, a network of Afghan human rights defenders, has tirelessly advocated for such an investigative body, amassing support from 108 organizations. Their relentless pursuit of accountability marks an inspiring glimpse into the resilience of civil society, standing up against the forces of oppression.
Importantly, this investigative mechanism will not only scrutinize the Taliban’s actions but will also hold accountable those from the previous government, local warlords, and even members of international forces who have perpetrated serious rights abuses in Afghanistan. This comprehensive approach is essential, as it recognizes that the web of complicity and violence extends beyond any single group, implicating various actors in a broader systemic failure to protect human rights.
Highlighting the dire implications of Taliban rule, the mechanism will investigate the leadership and officials responsible for torture, ill-treatment, and the systematic denial of women’s rights – rights that should be guaranteed to all individuals, irrespective of gender. This commitment to justice is crucial for the future of Afghanistan, as it seeks to dismantle the structures that allow such abuses to flourish.
The UN Human Rights Council’s decision to adopt this resolution by consensus reflects a growing international resolve to confront injustice without yielding to double standards or hierarchies among victims. Abbasi’s words resonate powerfully: “The European Union has demonstrated principled leadership.” This kind of moral clarity is essential in our global pursuit of justice and accountability.
However, the urgency of this action cannot be overstated. The UN Secretary-General has been tasked with expediting the operationalization of this mechanism, despite the UN’s ongoing financial struggles. This task is particularly pressing, given the daily restrictions faced by women and girls under Taliban governance. Their plight should serve as a clarion call for immediate action, illuminating the critical need for resources and international support to enable the mechanism to function effectively.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials on charges of the crime against humanity of gender persecution. The resolution directs the new investigative body to cooperate closely with the ICC, particularly amidst the backdrop of US sanctions that threaten to stifle the pursuit of justice. These sanctions must not deter the global community from supporting accountability efforts; rather, they should galvanize a unified response against threats to the Court and its personnel.
In closing, the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution is a powerful affirmation of the voices of victims and the relentless advocates fighting for justice in Afghanistan. It is a clear declaration that their suffering will not be ignored, nor will it fade into silence. The onus now lies on the UN Secretary-General and member states to ensure that the investigative mechanism is swiftly implemented and adequately funded. Only through sustained action and accountability can we hope to bring about a future where human rights are respected and upheld for all in Afghanistan. The stakes could not be higher, as justice delayed is justice denied.
