Afghanistan's new penal code, introduced by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, prescribes just 15 days of imprisonment for domestic violence against women, while harsher penalties apply for animal fighting.
In January, Afghanistan's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree establishing the country's first penal code, which has generated significant controversy due to its perceived gender biases. The new law mandates that domestic violence against women results in a mere 15-day jail sentence, whereas engaging in animal fighting can lead to a five-month prison term. This disparity highlights the troubling prioritization of animal welfare over women's rights within the legislative framework.
Human rights advocates, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, have condemned the decree, stating that it violates international legal obligations and institutionalizes gender inequality. The penal code is described as providing men with full authority over women and establishes varied sentencing criteria based on social status. As such, the law contributes to a legal environment where violence against women can be dismissed as trivial compared to other offenses.
The UN has urgently called for Afghan authorities to repeal the decree, expressing concerns that it legitimates gender discrimination and criminalizes freedom of expression. With its extensive 119 articles, the 60-page penal code further exacerbates the already challenging situation for women in Afghanistan, signaling a regression in the progress made towards gender equality and human rights in the region.
