The International criminal Court (ICC) has asked the United Nations Secretary General to assist in identifying who represents Afghanistan in international bodies. 

The ICC’s judges said the ICC could not decide to start an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, until it knows which group officially rules Afghanistan from the standpoint of international law.

The ICC wrote to the United Nations on Friday: “The request cannot be legally adjudicated without addressing the question of which entity actually constitutes the state authorities of Afghanistan since 15 August 2021.” 

As the reports indicate, many Afghan families were affected by the war and war crimes.

A resident in Helmand, Ismail, lost his father and brother six years ago after a rocket hit their house. He called the incident a war crime that requires investigation. 

“A mortar hit our house. The previous government did not investigate our issue and this government has not started an investigation either,” Ismail told TOLOnews.  

At the same time, a number of Afghan lawyers say that the investigation of war crimes is a significant step toward punishing people who have committed such crimes in Afghanistan. 

Subhan Mesbah, a lawyer, said: “Not only foreigners but also Afghans committed such crimes and still continue to do so. Therefore, it is necessary for the ICC to know the status of the Taliban’s recognition.” 

ICC judges authorized an investigation last year to probe offenses allegedly committed by Afghan government forces, the Taliban, US troops and other involved parties.