Stonewall responds to International Criminal Court's decision to seek arrest warrants in response to the persecution of LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan

For the first time, The International Criminal Court (ICC) is explicitly seeking arrest warrants in response to the persecution of LGBTQ+ people. 

This is a historic moment that sadly comes as a result of the ongoing atrocities being committed against LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan.

Stonewall has helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ people with both humanitarian aid and fleeing persecution in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021, through its innovative SAFAR programme.

Applying for the arrest warrants, ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan outlined: “These applications [for arrest warrants] recognise that the LGBTQ+ community are facing an unprecedented, unconscionable and ongoing persecution by the Taliban”. He goes on to argue that “the Supreme Leader of the Taliban and the Chief Justice of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan bear criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds “against Afghan girls and women, as well as persons whom the Taliban perceived as not conforming with their ideological expectations of gender identity or expression.”

Responding to this decision, Stonewall CEO, Simon Blake said: 

"We welcome the historic news from the International Criminal Court that it will seek arrest warrants for the leaders of a regime persecuting LGBTQ+ people and women and girls. It has taken far too long.

“In these turbulent times, where we are witnessing the roll back of rights for LGBTQ+ people globally, it is reassuring to see that there can be accountability and that institutions and individuals are standing firm in support of and protection for marginalized groups.

“We have a dedicated programme in Afghanistan and have been working closely with the LGBTQ+ community, recognising the deep and untold trauma experienced by many. It is inspiring and encouraging to be witnessing a moment when LGBTQ+ rights are being recognised and defended on the global stage.” ENDS

Stonewall works in partnership with ILGA Asia on the delivery of the SAFAR programme which is funded by UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and by Elrha.