An Afghan women’s organization expressed its approval on Friday regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent decision to seek the arrest of Taliban leaders for their systematic oppression of women.

The chief prosecutor of the ICC, Karim Khan, announced on Thursday that he has requested warrants for the arrest of two prominent Taliban officials, including the group’s leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has imposed stringent restrictions on women, effectively barring them from employment, limiting their access to public spaces, and prohibiting education beyond the sixth grade.

In a statement, the Afghan Women’s Movement for Justice and Awareness praised the ICC’s decision, describing it as a “significant historical milestone.”

“We view this development as a testament to the resilience and determination of Afghan women and believe it will usher in a new era of accountability and justice in our nation,” the group emphasized.

The Taliban authorities have not yet issued any official response to the ICC’s actions.

A former official from the Western-backed government warned that the Taliban could use this ICC request to bolster their image, suggesting it might serve as propaganda, showcasing their supposed strength and faith.

Mohammad Halim Fidai, who previously served as a governor of four provinces before the Taliban’s takeover and currently resides outside Afghanistan, commented on social media, “They might frame this as evidence of their beliefs being so influential that they draw the ire of global powers. This decision could inadvertently become a symbol of honor or legitimacy for them.”

On the same day, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan described it as both a “tragedy and travesty” that girls continue to be denied educational opportunities.

“The ban which has been in place for 1,225 days—approaching four years—has denied girls older than 12 the chance to attend school,” stated Roza Otunbayeva, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. “It is a travesty and tragedy that millions of Afghan girls have been deprived of their fundamental right to education.”

Otunbayeva pointed out that Afghanistan is the only nation worldwide that explicitly prohibits women and girls from accessing all levels of education, highlighting the severe implications of this injustice.