The United Kingdom has strongly welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders, hailing it as a crucial step toward justice for the Afghan people and accountability for systematic human rights violations.
Speaking to local media, a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls, who continue to suffer under what the UK described as the Taliban’s “brutal and discriminatory rule.”
“The UK does not and will not recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan,” the spokesperson said, condemning the group’s oppressive policies and gender-based persecution.
While maintaining limited, interest-based engagement with the Taliban, the UK made clear its backing for international legal efforts, including referring the group to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for violations of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
London also praised the ICC’s ongoing focus on the plight of Afghan women and girls, underscoring the urgent need for global accountability and sustained international pressure on the Taliban regime.
