Overview

• The four countries are acting under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
• The initiative was announced during the UN General Assembly in New York, with over 20 countries expressing support.
• Despite promises of moderate rule, the Taliban has barred women from education beyond sixth grade and many public spaces and jobs.
• The Taliban dismiss accusations of gender discrimination as absurd and claim their actions align with Islamic law.
• If the case proceeds, Afghanistan will be the first country taken to the International Court of Justice for gender discrimination.