Australia has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on four Taliban officials. The decision follows concerns over the severe restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan. The move also addresses issues of governance and the rule of law under the Taliban.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that Australia has created an autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan. This framework allows the country to directly target Taliban officials with sanctions and travel restrictions. It also introduces an arms embargo and limits related services to Afghanistan, aiming to pressure the Taliban.
Targeted Taliban Officials
The officials named in the sanctions include:
- Muhammad Khalid Hanafi, Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice
- Neda Mohammad Nadeem, Minister of Higher Education
- Abdul-Hakim Sharei, Minister of Justice
- Abdul Hakim Haqqani, Chief Justice
Wong said the sanctions were necessary due to these officials’ involvement in restricting women’s rights, including access to education, work, movement, and public participation.
Women’s Rights Under Taliban
Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have severely limited women’s freedoms. Female students were banned from universities in December 2022. The UN reports that 1.4 million girls, about 80% of school-age girls, are denied education.
Restrictions on women working have increased poverty and dependence on humanitarian aid. In July 2025, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Chief Justice Haqqani and Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhunzada for crimes against humanity. The Taliban denies human rights violations, claiming women’s rights are protected within Islamic law.
Australia’s new sanctions build on existing measures under the UN Security Council’s Taliban framework. They also include a humanitarian permit, allowing aid to reach people despite the restrictions.
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These steps highlight Australia’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and holding the Taliban accountable for violations.
