US Treasury imposes sanctions on two Taliban officials for serious Human Rights violations

The U.S. Treasury has announced sanctions on Mohammad Khalid Hanafi and Fariduddin Mahmood, both Taliban officials, for their involvement in human rights violations.

The department stated that these two Taliban officials have been sanctioned due to their involvement in serious human rights violations and the suppression of women and girls.

On Friday, the United States imposed sanctions on many individuals for their involvement in human rights abuses, including two Taliban officials accused of violating human rights. This action comes just before Human Rights Day, which is observed on Sunday.

“Today, OFAC designated Fariduddin Mahmood (Mahmood) and Khalid Hanafi (Hanafi) for serious human rights abuse related to the repression of women and girls, including through the restriction of access to secondary education for women and girls in Afghanistan solely on the basis of gender. This gender-based restriction reflects severe and pervasive discrimination against women and girls and interferes with their enjoyment of equal protection,” the document stated.

The designations are a response to the Taliban’s discriminatory policies that have severely restricted the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan since August 2021.

One of the most egregious violations has been the prohibition of women and girls from pursuing secondary education, making Afghanistan the only nation in the world with such a ban.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s actions have faced strong opposition from activists advocating for girls’ education, resulting in severe responses from the Taliban, including violence against protesters and journalists.

Fariduddin Mahmood played a role in the Taliban’s decision to close educational centers for women and girls after the sixth grade and was designated under E.O. 13818 for his complicity in these serious human rights abuses, the statement said.

“Khalid Hanafi, serving as the Taliban’s “Minister” for the “Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice,” has been involved in serious human rights abuses, including killings and abductions, and is designated under the same executive order, the document added.

These designations are part of the effort to hold individuals responsible for their involvement in severe human rights abuses and corruption around the world.

The restrictions on women’s access to education and other rights have led to widespread condemnation and concern both within Afghanistan and internationally.

OFAC’s actions underscore the commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of women and girls, especially in regions where they face discrimination and violence.

The international community continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan and take steps to address the ongoing human rights abuses against women and girls.

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