Canberra: Australia has announced new sanctions and travel bans against four senior Taliban officials in Afghanistan, citing serious concerns over human rights violations, especially those affecting women and girls. The move marks the first use of Australia’s new autonomous sanctions framework introduced earlier this month.
According to officials, the sanctions target three Taliban ministers and the group’s chief justice. Their financial assets under Australian jurisdiction will be frozen, and they will no longer be permitted to travel to Australia. The sanctions also restrict Australians and Australian entities from providing certain services to the listed individuals.
The Australian government said the decision was made after continued reports of severe restrictions placed on Afghan women and girls, including limits on education, employment and freedom of movement. Officials said the measures send a clear message that the international community cannot ignore these violations.
Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, welcomed the move. They said the sanctions were an important step toward accountability for those responsible for policies that have removed basic freedoms for millions of Afghans.
Australia’s action puts it in line with other countries that have issued targeted sanctions against leaders of the Taliban-controlled government. However, it remains unclear whether the restrictions will have any immediate impact on the leadership in Kabul.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the international community has struggled to respond in a way that pressures leaders without harming Afghan civilians who continue to face economic hardship and limited access to essential services.
Australian officials said further measures are possible if the situation does not improve.