Canada has voiced its support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders, saying it stands behind efforts to hold the group’s leadership accountable for crimes against humanity.

In a statement to Afghanistan International on Friday, Canada reiterated its concern over widespread human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly those targeting women and girls under Taliban rule.

Last week, the ICC announced that arrest warrants had been issued for Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. The court accuses both men of committing crimes against humanity, specifically the gender-based persecution of women and girls.

Canada reaffirmed its respect for the independence of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office and urged the Taliban to fulfil Afghanistan’s international obligations by protecting the rights of all citizens, including women, girls, and ethnic and religious minorities.

The Canadian Foreign Ministry added that it supports broader international efforts to hold perpetrators of serious violations of international law accountable.

Earlier this year, Canada joined Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia in filing a joint case against the Taliban at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The case focuses on systemic gender-based discrimination and has since gained the support of the United Nations and more than 20 other countries.