CANBERRA—Australia has demanded that the Taliban cease its violence against Afghan civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law in its treatment of women and girls after the democratically-elected government of Afghanistan fled the country following the Taliban’s advance on the capital, Kabul. The Pashto word “Taliban” means “students.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Defence Minister Peter Dutton said in a joint statement on Aug. 16 that Australia had committed many years to help Afghanistan build its future and was deeply concerned about the potential for further loss of life and suffering in the country amid the tense collapse of government. “The Taliban must cease all violence against civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law, and the human rights all Afghans are entitled to expect, in particular women and girls,” the statement said. “The Taliban will be held fully accountable for any killing or other mistreatment of Afghan military …