Rawadari has warned that the International Criminal Court’s decision to separate the Afghanistan investigation could complicate victims’ access to justice and undermine their trust in the process.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, October 29, the organization said serious questions and concerns remained over the legal and practical implications of the court’s decision to conduct a separate investigation into Afghanistan. It called for clear explanations regarding the decision.
Rawadari welcomed the public disclosure of four arrest warrants against senior Taliban officials on charges of crimes against humanity in the form of gender persecution. It also called for accountability for all perpetrators of human rights violations and the issuance of further arrest warrants.
According to the statement, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court instructed the Office of the Prosecutor on July 15, 2026, to launch a separate investigation into Afghanistan, following a request by six countries in November 2024.
The chamber reaffirmed its decision on September 3, and on October 20, the case known as “Situation in Afghanistan II” was assigned to it.
Rawadari questioned why the court considered a separate investigation necessary despite previous investigations into Afghanistan and the issuance of arrest warrants.
The organization warned that separating the investigations could delay proceedings and weaken victims’ confidence in justice.
Rawadari also expressed concern that requests to address crimes committed in Afghanistan, which it said were already receiving insufficient attention, could be further marginalized.
