The Australian government has drafted new, stringent measures targeting the Taliban in response to the escalating human rights violations in Afghanistan, officials announced on Monday. The proposals aim to increase international pressure on the Taliban and compel the group to respect fundamental human rights.
Australia is currently reviewing amendments to existing sanctions legislation, which would introduce specific standards for Afghanistan. Under the proposed changes, the Australian government would gain the authority to impose travel restrictions and other punitive measures on Taliban officials.
Human Rights Watch has welcomed the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward accountability. The organization noted that abuses by the Taliban have been mounting steadily, particularly against women, journalists, and civil society activists.
According to Human Rights Watch, Taliban authorities have been accused of severe crimes, including the systematic denial of women’s basic rights, curbs on freedom of expression, and violent attacks on journalists and human rights defenders. United Nations experts have previously described these abuses as “gender-based atrocities.”
The Australia-based director of Human Rights Watch emphasized that Taliban officials have harassed, threatened, and violently targeted journalists and activists, saying the international community can no longer remain silent.
An Australian government spokesperson said the proposed sanctions are a response to the Taliban’s “oppressive and brutal mindset” and send a strong message that the international community will not tolerate violations of human rights.
Experts noted that if enacted, the new measures would place Australia among the countries taking the toughest stance against the Taliban, further increasing international pressure on the regime.
