Australia, together with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, is pursuing international legal action concerning Afghanistan’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says the four countries formally initiated steps in 2024 under Article 29 of CEDAW, seeking to hold Afghanistan accountable for alleged violations of the rights of women and girls. Australia has continued to describe the legal process as part of broader international efforts to promote accountability over the Taliban’s policies.
Australia has said that the Taliban’s restrictions have severely affected women’s access to education, employment, freedom of movement and participation in public life. Canberra has also stated that the Taliban authorities remain responsible for Afghanistan’s international legal obligations, despite Australia not recognizing the Taliban as the legitimate representatives of the Afghan people.
In a 2025 statement, Australia said the legal action with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands was continuing, while emphasizing that the process was still in its early stages.
The initiative comes amid continuing international scrutiny of the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. Australia has said that the four countries are considering further options under CEDAW and other relevant international human rights frameworks.
The legal effort represents one of the international mechanisms being pursued to address concerns over gender discrimination in Afghanistan and to seek compliance with the country’s obligations under international law.