The Albanese Government has established an autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan, as part of our ongoing efforts to hold the Taliban to account.
The new framework enables Australia to directly impose its own sanctions and travel bans to increase pressure on the Taliban, targeting the oppression of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, as well as actions that undermine the rule of law and good governance in Afghanistan.
It builds on the 140 individuals and entities Australia currently sanctions under the United Nations Security Council’s Taliban framework.
The new framework also introduces an arms embargo, prohibiting Australians from supplying arms or related materials, and any related services or activities to Afghanistan.
In effect today, the Government has also announced its first listings under the new framework.
We have imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on three so-called Taliban ‘ministers’ and the so-called Taliban ‘Chief Justice’ for their involvement in the oppression of women and girls and in undermining good governance or the rule of law. This includes restricting access to education, employment, freedom of movement and the ability to participate in public life.
The Australian Government remains deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. The Taliban continues to demonstrate contempt for the rights, freedoms and welfare of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls.
Our thoughts are with those suffering under the Taliban’s oppression, as well as the Afghan community in Australia.
Since the fall of Kabul, the Australian Government has provided over $260 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls. A further $50 million is allocated for 2025/26. We have issued a humanitarian permit under the framework.
Australia is the first country to establish an autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan, strengthening our approach to the worsening situation. It adds to those we have in place for countries such as Iran, Russia and the DPRK.
Further information on the Afghanistan sanctions framework is available on the Department’s website: Legislation and Sanctions Frameworks.