International Org. for Transitional Justice and Peace (ITJP)

ITJP Welcomes ICC’s Prioritization of #Women’s Rights in #Afghanistan The International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace (ITJP) commends the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Karim A. A. Khan KC, for his renewed focus on the grave human rights violations against women and girls in Afghanistan. The ITJP has long advocated for #accountability and #justice for crimes against humanity and gender-based persecution under #Taliban rule and views this development as a significant milestone in addressing the systemic oppression and violence faced by #Afghan women and girls. Having previously called the ICC to address crimes against women and girls in Afghanistan as part of its ongoing investigation into Afghanistan situation, the ITJP reaffirms its commitment to supporting this crucial effort. This focus by the ICC validates years of advocacy and the untiring efforts of Afghan women and civil society groups. While expressing our sincere gratitude to the six States Parties for their bold referral and steadfast support in drawing attention to these atrocities, the ITJP once again urges the ICC to expedite its investigation, as the situation for Afghan women remains critical. This focus on accountability is not just a matter of justice but also a message of hope to the countless women in Afghanistan who continues to resist oppression and fight for their dignity. The ITJP remains fully committed to contributing evidence, victim testimonies, and expertise to document these violations and collaborate in the pursuit of justice for those affected by these ongoing atrocities. https://lnkd.in/d5mavy6x

Ahmad's world shattered when his father, prosecutor Jalal Qasimi (pseudonym), was assassinated, "most likely by the Taliban", in October 2022. The once promising student is now the sole provider for his family. 'We used to dream,' he shares, 'but now, our daily struggle is just to survive.' Read more: https://lnkd.in/dmE_4gw3 #VictimsVoice #Afghanistan #Taliban #ITJP Association of Prosecuting Attorneys #Prosecutorsforprosecutors

We are pleased to share that Saashi Windsor has joined our team as a Grant & Proposal Writer. Saashi holds an MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and Rule of Law from the Geneva Academy and an LLB from Kotelawala Defense University. With extensive experience in legal research, transitional justice, human rights, gender justice, and peacebuilding, Saashi brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to ITJP's mission. Welcome aboard, Saashi W.! #ITJP #Afghanistan

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Kevin Rardin, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, to the ITJP Board of Directors. With over 30 years as a prosecutor and five years as an assistant public defender, Kevin brings exceptional expertise and commitment to justice. His distinguished 21-year service as an Army Reserve Judge Advocate, including a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Action and rule of law in Afghanistan, further highlight his distinguished career. Kevin also serves on the board of the Memphis Council of the United States Navy League and is a Fellow with the APA and GFA. Recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from "Best of Bar" in 2019, Kevin’s extensive experience will greatly enhance ITJP’s efforts to combat international crimes and advance human rights in Afghanistan. #Justice #HumanRights #ITJP #Afghanistan

In the past, agreements like the Doha deals have only served to legitimize the Taliban and grant them further impunity. The release of thousands of convicted Taliban criminals from prisons and their subsequent rise to power have shown that appeasement leads to more violence and suffering. #DohaThirdDeal will only normalize their crimes and undermine the principles of justice and human rights.   The ICC’s intervention is crucial in changing this course. By holding the Taliban accountable, the Court can send a powerful message that crimes against humanity will not go unpunished. This will not only bring justice to the people of Afghanistan but also uphold the integrity of international law. #Afghanistan https://lnkd.in/d5sYrZy8

The ITJP echoes the call of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan for the UN Security Council to use "all available tools" – including the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, national-level prosecutions, and other international accountability mechanisms – to challenge and dismantle the Taliban’s institutionalized system of gender oppression and hold those responsible accountable. https://lnkd.in/gFW5RkKf

Three Years On, Zanbaq Square Victims Await Justice Three years ago today, a horrific truck bomb shattered the heart of Kabul. The bustling Zanbaq Square and the entire city became a scene of unimaginable carnage. Nearly 600 innocent lives were lost and wounded, and countless others were scarred forever. Today, Zanbaq Square remains a stark reminder of Afghanistan's enduring wounds. Families continue to mourn, and survivors struggle with trauma. Justice delayed is justice denied. The international community must demand a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable. It is claimed the Haqqani Network, a group within the Taliban de facto regime, was behind it. Remembering the victims is crucial, but so is supporting the survivors and pursuing justice, and building a peaceful Afghanistan. ITJP calls for accountability and justice for the Zanbaq Square truck bomb. #ZanbaqSquare #Accountability #Afghanistan #Peacebuilding https://lnkd.in/dX4mn7kC

As the United Nations prepares for another round of discussions on Afghanistan in late June, it is imperative to focus on addressing the Taliban’s ongoing human rights abuses and alleged crimes against humanity, including gender persecution. This conference presents a critical opportunity to prioritize accountability for the Taliban’s well-documented violations and pave the way for a future built on justice and lasting peace. https://lnkd.in/eaiYcjWv

Update: Join ITJP's online discussion today at 9 AM EST on the Afghan women's situation: Allegations of Crimes Against Humanity and Gender-Based Discrimination, and the Path to Holding the Taliban Accountable. Stay tuned for insightful discussions! Contact us now at info@itjp.us to receive the scheduled link.

RSVP for Crucial Online Discussion on Afghan Women's Rights The International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace (ITJP) invites you to participate in a vital online discussion: “Assessing Afghan Women's Situation: Allegations of Crimes Against Humanity and Gender-Based Discrimination, and the Path to Hold the Taliban Accountable” - When: May 10, 2024 (during Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Week) - Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST (New York) - Location: Online via Zoom (hosted by ITJP). Confirmed Guests: - Ms. Shamiso Mbizvo (International Cooperation Advisor, Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court - ICC) - Mr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha (Ambassador, and Afghan Permanent Representative, Geneva) - Ms. Heather Barr (Associate Women’s Rights Director, Human Rights Watch) - Mr. David LaBahn, (President of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys-US) - Ms. Fawzia Koofi (Former Deputy Speaker, Afghan Parliament) Key Discussion Points: - Understanding Afghan women's situation under Taliban decrees, focusing on education and employment rights. - Reviewing recent developments in Afghanistan's case within the International Criminal Court (ICC). - Assessing whether Taliban decrees meet criteria for crimes against humanity and gender-based discrimination. - Exploring legal avenues for holding the Taliban accountable, particularly Haibatullah Akhundzada and those involved in actions affecting women's rights. - Addressing questions or clarifications from distinguished attendees. RSVP: To RSVP, please send an email to info@itjp.us with your Zoom account name, title, and email address. The event will be recorded for wider dissemination and reference. The Zoom link will be shared via email, or WhatsApp message. Background: The ITJP, a US-based non-profit, combats core international crimes like war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in war-torn countries, with a current focus on Afghanistan. This discussion is a vital step in seeking justice for Afghan women and holding the Taliban accountable for their actions. Join us for this crucial conversation on the plight of Afghan women! #AfghanWomen #ITJP #prosecutorforprosecutor Human Rights Watch Association of Prosecuting Attorneys International Criminal Court Fawzia Koofi Haroon Mutasem Dr. Nasir Andisha Heather Barr