Afghan Update January 2006 No. 11

Opening of Parliament London Conference Freedom of Expression Transitional Justice Voice of the People

UNAMA Offices and Sub-Offices UN Offices in Afghanistan

Bamiyan Sar Asayab FAO 020 210 1722 020 297 6460 UN-Habitat 020 210 1652 Gardez Saha-e-Paroja (Project) ILO 020 210 1682/85 Herat Manzele Sofi Qodus Fax +873 761 660 769 Chahar Rahi Ameriat UNAMA 020 210 2300 020 297 6657 UNDP 020 210 1682 – 1685 Jalalabad Arzaq Street Fax +873 761 660 769 near ICRC Office UNEP 070 276 431 /432 Kabul-Jalalabad Main Road UNESCO 020 210 1682 – 1684 020 297 6500 (ext. 4601/4602) Kandahar Haji Musa Jan House UNFPA 070 276 264 near Hindo Chowk UNHCR 020 220 0381 /0382 Shar-I-Naw UNICEF 020 220 0096 /0439 020 297 6700 UNIFEM 020 210 1682 – 1684 Kabul UNAMA Compound C (ext. 4706) 020 297 5000 / 6000 UNMACA 070 282 057 /086 Kunduz Chai Ferushi Street UNODC 020 210 1682 –1684 020 297 6400 (ext. 4401) Mazar-i-Sharif Silo Road, opposite Stadium UNOPS 070 281 791 020 297 6900 WFP 070 282 547 Faizabad Shari Jadid WHO 020 230 0181 020 297 3036 Afghanistan country code: +93 Maimana On Park in Maimana City 0799 822 327

UNAMA Liaison Offices Islamabad 11th Floor, 61 - A Jinnah Ave. Afghan Update is published by the Saudi-Pak Tower, Blue Area UNAMA Office of Communications ++39 083 124 7380 and Public Information (OCPI) Tehran United Nations Building 185 Ghaem Magham Farihani Ave. Contact: 020 210 2300 (ext. 6186) ++98 218 732 8125 Address: UNAMA Compound B Peace Avenue Kabul, Afghanistan E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.unama-afg.org Editor: Samuel Hendricks [email protected]

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is administration. UNAMA was established in an effort to mandated to promote national reconstruction; to fulfill the integrate all UN activities in the country. There are some tasks and responsibilities entrusted to the United Nations 17 UN agencies in Afghanistan working together with their in the Bonn Agreement, including those related to human government counterparts and with national and international rights, the rule of law, and gender issues; and to manage NGO partners. All UN programmes lend support to the all UN humanitarian, relief, recovery, and reconstruction Afghanistan transition process and recognize the lead role activities in Afghanistan in coordination with the Afghan played by the Afghan administration. The proceedings begin: Convening of Parliament, 19 December 2005

Contents First Session of the National Assembly 4 London Conference 5 Freedom of Expression 6 Afghanistan’s Woman General 7 Transitional Justice 8 Winterization 10 Drug Abuse Survey 11 Voice of the People 12 Letter from London 13 “Spear of the Sun” 14 Photos of the Day 15 Cover: Tandoor Ovens photograph by Freshta Dunya

I think for a lot of countries it is going to be a very important moment, because it is going to “be the moment when the international community and the Afghan people come together to chart the course for the next five years. Our role in the United Nations will be, as we have been in the last four years, the impartial, honest advocate of the Afghan people. Sometimes disagreeing—and we all speak frankly, as Mr. Brahimi and Mr. Arnault have when it is needed—very often agreeing, because who knows better what is needed for the future of Afghanistan than the people of Afghanistan? But always trying to be impartial, to be honest, and to make sure that this considerable international effort is coordinated in an intelligent and constructive way that serves the needs of the Afghan people. —Jean-Marie Guéhenno UN Under-Secretary-General” for Peacekeeping Speaking about the London Conference during his December visit to Afghanistan Parliament

Afghanistan’s National Assembly Convenes for Historic First Session

Formation of the legislature marks the conclusion of the Bonn process, Members of Parliament and a new hope for the future at the opening session

The seed of democracy planted in Bonn in late 2001 took firm root oversight of government decisions, actions and performance. on December 19 when Afghanistan’s first elected parliament in The assembly has made a generally positive start—speakers and more than 30 years opened amid tight security in a war-devastated deputies have been elected for both houses, with veteran Sighbatullah district of Kabul. Mojaddedi heading the upper house, and former presidential More than 300 representatives of the Wolesi Jirga (House of candidate Yunus Qanuni the lower. The lower house has started People) and Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders) packed into the positioning itself as a public advocate on a number of topical issues, refurbished National Assembly building on Darulaman Road for a including removal of barricades from Kabul’s congested streets. ceremony full of colour and emotion. Foreign guests included UN But the legislators were still struggling to complete rules of Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Jean-Marie Guéhenno procedure before breaking for Eid al-Adha in mid-January and and United States Vice-President Dick Cheney. they face a heavy workload after the holiday, including forming The landmark event gathered former battlefield and political parliamentary commissions, debating the budget, voting on rivals, conservatives and progressives, representatives of different structures of government, and looking at a big package of ethnic groups and male and female legislators from around the presidential decrees. country. Sporting a colourful array of caps, turbans, karakul hats, Meanwhile, serious concerns exist about parliament’s make- and scarves, they were sworn in by President Hamid Karzai as the up and ability to reach a consensus on crucial issues, including 91-year-old former king, Zahir Shah, looked on. poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, transitional justice, “This gathering shows that all of the people of Afghanistan are poverty eradication, corruption, the legal weight of Islam, unified. This is an important step towards democracy,” said Mr. women’s rights, and the presence of foreign troops. Karzai, in an at times emotional address on the tasks and challenges Independent observers believe that around 15 per cent of MPs facing legislators and the country. are commanders, Taliban defectors or drug traffickers. Human It was the first time an elected parliament had sat in Afghanistan rights groups put the figure significantly higher. “These war since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1973, which was followed criminals have not gone on trial . . . Instead they are given more by foreign military occupation, devastating civil war and harsh power and authority in the decision-making of the country with Taliban rule. their blood-stained hands,” said outspoken female legislator The inauguration of the National Assembly marked the final step Malali Joya, speaking to the press at the assembly opening. in a process launched in late 2001 with the ousting of the Taliban As the curtain falls on the Bonn process, attention moves to and the signing of the Bonn Agreement on December 5 of that year. London, where Afghanistan and the international community The UN-endorsed pact established a timetable for the country’s will commit themselves at the end of this month to the next stage transition to peace and democracy, including the adoption of a of the country’s nation-building and democratic renaissance. constitution and presidential and parliamentary elections. Governance, rule of law, and human rights is a key pillar of The constitution was approved by a Loya Jirga (traditional the Afghan Compact to be adopted in London (see next page). assembly) in January 2004, with the presidential election following Parliament will have a key role to play in determining whether or in October. The parliamentary polls were held in September last not these targets are met on time. In a bid to boost its capacity and year, electing 249 members to the Wolesi Jirga and two-thirds of the ability to meet its constitutionally mandated roles, the international 102-seat upper house. President Karzai appointed the remaining 34 community has agreed to provide technical and administrative Meshrano Jirga members, including 17 women. A total of 68 lower support to the legislative body in coming months. house seats were set aside for women. “We have turned a new chapter in Afghanistan,” speaker While most of the government’s power is concentrated in Qanuni told reporters at the inauguration. “We have a good the hands of the president, it is hoped that parliament—which chance to start a new life toward democracy and development,” must approve a new cabinet—will become a crucible for added the Wolesi Jirga leader, whose pledge to work with the democratic debate and a forge for legislation that will anchor government has raised hopes that parliament will meet public and strengthen the democratic process. It should provide aspirations.

 Afghanistan Compact

London Conference: The Future of the Afghan-International Partnership A conference on Afghanistan will take place in London 31 January an important theme that impacts each of these areas. and 1 February at the city’s historic Lancaster House, co-hosted by Furthermore, the objectives within the compact are consistent with the Afghan Government, UK Government, and the United Nations. the goals specified by the Afghanistan Millennium Development With the completion of the Bonn Agenda, there is now the need Goals Report 2005, which the Afghan Government approved last to deepen the ongoing partnership between Afghanistan and the September. The compact also describes the support and resources that international community, and the purpose of the conference is thus the international community will provide to achieve its stated goals. to establish common priorities for the coming years. The agenda, As with the Bonn Agreement, the United Nations will continue to an outline of the strategies for continued development, will be play a central role in coordinating and monitoring implementation of known as the Afghanistan Compact. President Hamid Karzai, this agenda. It will remain committed to deploying good offices, as well Prime Minister Tony Blair, and other high-level representatives are as to continued involvement of the full range of United Nations funds, scheduled to appear. programmes, and agencies in Meeting in Bonn, 2001 “The London Conference is a support of achieving the specified renewal of commitment between outcomes. Afghanistan and the international “In spite of the very significant community,” said Afghan Foreign achievements of the past four Minister Abdullah Abdullah. “A years, the job—our job—is not commitment that is mutual, not done,” said SRSG Jean Arnault. one-sided.” “With regard to security, with The Bonn Agreement focused regard to development, with on establishing a legitimate regard to counter-narcotics, with national government. Its primary regard to human rights, our role method lay in setting benchmarks remains key.” and timetables tied to political In many respects, the challenges objectives, such as the drafting of are even more daunting than a new constitution and the holding those addressed by the Bonn of presidential and parliamentary elections. Agreement. The 2001 agreement enabled the establishment of a basic The Afghanistan Compact, which covers the next five years, structure; the new compact will aim to add substance to it with the aim will seek to consolidate and strengthen the institutions of the to allow Afghanistan to provide more and more for its own needs in the Afghan state and Afghan society. It will apply the same discipline fields of security, governance, and development. of benchmarks and timetables to institution-building priorities, The compact is the formalization of the international community’s as well as to social development in fields ranging from poverty commitment to work together with Afghanistan toward the goal reduction to health and education. of sustainability. It is also a hopeful sign of continuing international These common commitments will be structured around three support for the aspirations of the Afghan people, who continue to strive principal themes: (1) security; (2) governance, rule of law, for a brighter future. and human rights; and (3) sustainable economic and social “There is no time for relaxation,” said Mr. Arnault. “The next five development. Elimination of the narcotics industry will remain years will have to be as intense as the past four years have been.”

Secretary-General Annan Appoints New Special Representative for Afghanistan In February, Jean Arnault will complete to the civil war. The Truth Commission an active role in German politics. From his assignment as UNAMA’s Special established to address human rights 1989 to 1999, he was elected Head of the Representative to the Secretary-General. violations during the civil war played a Department for the Environment for the Mr. Arnault has headed the mission city of Frankfurt. From 1993 to 1997 since February 2004. Tom Koenigs with he was also Treasurer of Frankfurt, Kofi Annan Secretary-General Kofi Annan and from 1994 to 1997 acted as recently appointed Tom Koenigs of Deputy Mayor. Germany to succeed Mr. Arnault as Most recently, Mr. Koenigs was SRSG. appointed Germany’s Commissioner Mr. Koenigs has worked extensively for Human Rights Policy and in the United Nations and in German Humanitarian Aid at the Federal government, and he brings a range Foreign Office. of experience in the fields of human Mr. Koenigs is married and has rights, environmental policy, and three children. finance. Afghan Update extends a warm From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Koenigs headed central role in the peace agreement. welcome to Mr. Koenigs in Afghanistan. the UN Verification Mission in Guatemala Mr. Koenigs also served as UN Deputy At the same time, we would like (MINUGUA) as Special Representative SRSG in Kosovo from 1999 to 2002, to express our appreciation for Mr. to the Secretary-General. The mission where he was responsible for general civil Arnault’s leadership during these past was established to monitor the 1996 peace administration. two eventful years, and extend our best agreement between the former parties Starting in 1983, Mr. Koenigs took up wishes in the future.

 Media

Journalism in Afghanistan: Fettered or Free?

Media in Afghanistan has experienced a remarkable renaissance in the past four years. Journalistic freedom, however, remains in the balance, despite the legal protections in place. By Richard Bennett

Afghanistan’s recent expansion in private and state media has journalists refrain from direct criticism of authorities and do not been remarkable: By 2005, an estimated 300 print publications, propagate ideas or values that contradict mainstream values. 38 radio and four private television stations had been established. The case of Tolo Television, one of the main privately owned TV Along with this growth of media outlets, journalists have sometimes stations, is an important example of the consequences of challenging taken public discourse to previously forbidden territory. The the status quo. Some Tolo staff members have faced intimidation for Afghan Constitution and international treaties are on their side, but their program content and presentation, considered “un-Islamic” by this fact alone does not always guarantee that their right to freedom conservative sectors and the Afghan Council of Ulemas. The presenter of expression is honored. of a music program was forced to leave the country following death Last October, Afghanistan’s Central Court of Appeal sentenced threats. The host of a Pashtun news program received death threats Ali Mohaqeq Nasab, editor of a women’s rights magazine, to for his critical comments on the Taliban. A female presenter heavily six months in jail and three years probation. Nasab was arrested criticized for her modern and western ways was found dead in her after he published controversial articles on religious freedom and home. In December 2005, an explosive device was retrieved under the women’s rights. He was charged with violating the mass media car of a Tolo reporter in the western region of the country. law, which forbids statements contrary and offensive to Islam Differing interpretations of the relationship between freedom and other religions. The incident sparked a national debate over of expression and interpretations of Islamic Law have created the protection of freedom of expression within the parameters of much discussion about the freedom of journalists to carry out their Islamic Law. work. While Islamic law is generally consistent with human rights The right to freedom of expression was clearly exercised during values, contradictory laws in relation to the freedom of expression the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, when open and public pose a challenge to journalists who seek to question mainstream debates took place throughout the country. More recently, a public Afghanistan’s interpretations of Islam. In order for Afghanistan to dialogue on the issue of resolving past crimes—a complex and continue the development of a culture of human rights, the right to emotionally charged issue—has recently begun. freedom of expression, which includes a press that is independent Yet journalists in Afghanistan continue to face limitations to the and free, is essential. right to freedom of expression—whether in the form of detentions, Article 34 of the Afghan Constitution states: threats, loss of employment, or otherwise. Ali Nasab was initially Freedom of expression shall be inviolable. Every Afghan sentenced to two years on blasphemy charges, and the Council shall have the right to express thoughts through speech, of Ulema recommended the death penalty. Nasab ultimately writing, illustrations as well as other means in accordance served two months in prison and the remaining four months of with the provisions of this constitution. Every Afghan his sentence on conditional release, but the lengthy probationary shall have the right, according to the provisions of period raises serious concerns about his ability to exercise freedom this law, to print and publish on subjects without prior of expression. submission to state authorities. Although there is no evidence of widespread or systemic judicial Afghanistan is also signatory to the International Covenant on repression of journalists’ freedom of expression, there have been Civil and Political Rights, which it ratified on 24 January 1983. several cases in which authorities have interfered with the work Article 19 (2) of the this treaty states: of journalists, particularly journalists covering sensitive matters. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; Last June, the Governor of Takhar province dismissed the director this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and of the local television press-release section and the provincial impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of head of the Afghan Independent Journalist Association, following frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form television coverage of critical remarks against the Governor. And of art, or through any media of his choice. in September 2005, a journalist working for Pajhwok Afghan News Afghanistan clearly has challenges ahead to ensure the full and as editor of Meena magazine disappeared after publishing protection of the right to freedom of expression, but the substantial satirical articles that offended provincial authorities and some progress made in recent years reflects the commitment of the conservative religious leaders. While the Government denied any Afghan government to develop a strong media. involvement in his disappearance, he reappeared one week later Within the process of peace-building and the promotion of human under circumstances suggesting the authorities’ acquiescence or rights in Afghanistan, the mass media plays a critical role. A free and direct involvement. independent media enables the expression of a diversity of opinions Such incidents can easily create a media environment in and voices, and freedom of expression within a society is one of the which freedom of expression is stifled. Throughout Afghanistan, principal foundations of a true democracy that respects human rights. journalists frequently exercise self-censorship due to conservatism, warlordism, and the control of power by corrupt authorities. Most Richard Bennett is Chief of UNAMA’s Human Rights Unit.

 Honors

A Giant Leap

Afghan general leads the way for women and joins the ranks of international great achievers

General Khatol Mohammadzai wears the uniform of General Khatol with her the Afghan armed forces with pride. But that makes this Hall of Fame award pioneering paratroop officer a figure of scorn for some in the country’s political and military elite, who think she should be hidden behind the burqa she was forced to wear during five years of Taliban rule. “I face a lot of problems—even now I cannot express myself openly,” said the 38-year-old widow, who has become a role model for women in a male-dominated institution. Her reputation was enhanced at a packed black-tie gala in Washington last October, when she was inducted into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame. Past honorees include such female icons as Madeline Albright, Christiane Amanpour, Corazón Aquino, Ella Fitzgerald, Audrey Hepburn, Coretta Scott King, Mary Robinson, Rosa Parks, and the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova. It was apt tribute to Gen. Khatol’s singular determination and courage, and recognition for both her personal achievements and the impact she has made on the lives of Afghan men and women. “The prize will really give hope to Afghan women to move forward,” said the general, who was recently feted at a special reception by President Hamid Karzai, Defence Minister Abdul in rocket attacks, leaving her a widow with a baby son. Rahim Wardak, and the former king, Zahir Shah. A fitness fanatic, Gen. Khatol decided to join the military But she told Afghan Update not everyone is happy at in 1984 and was recruited into an all-female paratroop section her success, reflecting the prejudice that women face in overseen by Soviet officers. The 18-strong unit never saw Afghanistan. “I’m a woman and I’m wearing a military combat, but was used for display events such as the New Year uniform and that’s one of the struggles I have—they hate to festivities. She made more than 500 jumps between 1984 and see a woman in uniform.” 1996, when the Taliban came to power and banned women Gen. Khatol refuses to be intimidated. She turns up each from working. morning in a uniform dripping with ribbons and paratrooper To make ends meet, she turned her hand to sewing, wings—a sharp contrast to her female colleagues who embroidery, and mattress making. She also secretly taught report for duty in burqas. “I’m helping these women and local children, including girls, how to read and write—a encouraging them to wear the uniform and be like a military risky endeavour. “It was a dark period without employment person.” and difficult for everyone, especially women.” Hostility also comes from politicians. “One of the big The Taliban fled Kabul in late November 2001 and within problems I have is that I am not affiliated to any party and hours Gen. Khatol showed up at the Defence Ministry to I am neutral,” she said. report for duty. “I threw off the burqa and was the first That annoys people, but Gen. Khatol insists she will not woman to join the air force,” she said, recalling the surprise be swayed from her mission to “help women in society stand on the faces of victorious National Front soldiers. on their feet and struggle for their rights.” That includes She made her first parachute jump in almost six years trying to get a better deal for the 147 women in the 34,000- during festivities to mark the Afghan New Year in March strong military, and encouraging more to join. 2002. At last year’s event, she jumped trailing a banner that “She’s a good role model, and if they start seeing role read: “We want education, employment, and salaries for models, they’ll stick around,” said an American officer with widows, orphans, and handicapped people.” Gen. Khatol the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. has been banging home the message ever since. Born in Kabul, Gen. Khatol’s youth ended when the country “I’m in this position where I can pave the way for women,” was plunged into war after the Soviet invasion of 1979. Personal said the general. “I hope that one day Afghan women can fly tragedy soon struck—her two brothers and husband were killed into space,” she added.

 Guest Contributor

Accommodating a Culture of Justice Transitional Justice in Afghanistan

Human rights lawyer Tom Perriello argues that the success of Afghanistan’s Transitional Justice Plan hinges on stronger international backing

Compassion for sharp-fanged wolves equals viciousness to measures in response to violent histories. While strategies vary, defenseless sheep. —Afghan Proverb two components of transitional justice remain constant. First, the past cannot be ignored. Forgiveness may be the way forward for Every war-torn country making the transition to peace faces some countries, but simply forgetting is an invitation to a repeat of the challenge of addressing past atrocities in order to build a history. Second, successful models must be culturally appropriate more secure future, part of a process that has come to be known and attuned to the public interest. as transitional justice. In Afghanistan, this process is particularly Heeding this lesson, the Government of Afghanistan has invested complex, given the historical record, present political landscape, heavily in public consultation. In March 2002, President Karzai and unparalleled percentage of war crimes victims. mandated the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission Most Afghans agree that improving security is the country’s (AIHRC) to consult Afghans about how to address past crimes. The top priority. Opinions differ, however, on how to achieve that Commission conducted a massive survey of more than 4100 Afghans, goal. The debate over addressing past crimes has become the and focus groups with about 1500 more. latest battleground between two opposing strategies for securing Published in January 2005, AIHRC’s A Call for Justice report Afghanistan: accommodation and accountability. included the following findings: The accomodationists are concerned at a disruption of the status • 68 per cent of Afghans say they or a member of their quo if war criminals from past regimes are held to account. Those immediate family have been victims of war crimes. in favor of accountability, on the other hand, strongly believe that a • 94 per cent of Afghans support establishing justice for past culture of impunity is the greatest threat to stability. crimes. In two national surveys on the issue, a substantial majority • 76 per cent of Afghans believe bringing war criminals to of Afghans have spoken with surprising clarity. Their message: justice soon will increase stability. Only 8 per cent thought We want justice and we want it now. it would weaken stability. At the National Conference on Truth Seeking and Reconciliation, • While there is strong support for truth seeking (95 per cent) held in Kabul in December, more than 200 Afghans from across the and reconciliation (90 per cent), Afghans are three times country clearly echoed that sentiment. The conference’s concluding more likely to place a greater priority on criminal justice. statement held, “There is a need for reconciliation on multiple In my personal experience working on justice and security issues levels. However, reconciliation should not be at the expense of in a number of post-conflict countries, I have never seen such justice…. The removal of human rights violators from government overwhelming support for war crimes prosecutions and vetting of is regarded as a prerequisite to improving security conditions.” public officials based on past abuses. Afghans explained that justice is Any country emerging from a period of conflict presents a unique one of the highest values within Afghan culture and Islamic tradition. set of circumstances. Therefore, there is no universal recipe for Based on its findings, AIHRC presented the President with the transitional justice, but rather a list of possible ingredients, such as “Peace, Reconciliation, and Justice Action Plan,” a comprehensive truth commissions, reconciliation, war crimes tribunals, expulsion transitional justice package. The initiative provides a road map for of war criminals from public office, and victim reparations. addressing the atrocities of the past in a way that promotes security and Many countries have adopted some combination of these the rule of law.

 National Conference on Truth Seeking and Reconciliation, Kabul, December 2005

To investigate how best to implement the Action Plan, UNAMA, Afghans described them as paper tigers whose power derived from AIHRC, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, international support and now drugs, but not from the people. The Global Rights, and the International Centre for Transitional Justice accomodationists, meanwhile, consider these individuals entirely joined forces to conduct a national consultation with opinion capable of destabilizing the country. leaders from all 34 provinces. During November 2005, the team Transitional justice carries high stakes for the country and many met with more than 2,000 clerics, imams, elders, women leaders, of its most powerful individuals. Thus far, the government and recently elected officials, academics, journalists, youth leaders, and international officials have demanded consensus for any action former commanders, as well as, for lack of a better term, people on transitional justice. Soon, however, they will have to choose on the street. We also met with senior government officials and because two mutually exclusive positions. At every stage, one diplomats. group will oppose any process that threatens the status quo, while The team’s findings strongly reinforced the Call for Justice the other will oppose any process that validates it. survey and even suggested increased support for justice in the wake The international community, to date, has oscillated. They of widespread disappointment with the Parliamentary elections. A strongly supported passage of the Action Plan, but for the past strong majority believe accountability for past crimes is essential to several years they have largely promoted an accomodationist peace and to Islamic principles of justice. Most Afghans described strategy. Recent developments—an exploding drug trade, an the parliamentary elections—both the process and results—as a increasingly sophisticated insurgency, and dissatisfaction with the setback to security, justice, and governance. In fact, when asked process and results of parliamentary elections—have bolstered who they would want to see face a war crimes tribunal, almost the case for accountability. While the Action Plan is a major step everyone named individuals who now sit in Parliament or senior forward, it will only produce results if backed strenuously and government posts. People see corrupt elements as gaining power consistently by the international community. by force, fear, and fraud—primary evidence, in their view, of how Should the government and the international community become accommodation is destabilizing the country. more active in supporting a policy of aggressive accountability? Many government officials, along with a minority of mullahs The two national surveys indicate that Afghans hope the answer and elders, express a different view. Although supportive of will be yes. But while some compare the risk of instability created certain reconciliation processes, they tend to see accountability by a war crimes tribunal versus a low-risk status quo, most Afghans as a threat to the delicate balance of interests now in place. Most see a different choice. For them, the small risk of disruptions former commanders and “warlords” with whom we spoke strongly from trials and vetting pales next to the large, growing risk of opposed “focusing on the past,” although surprisingly a number of perpetrators using drug profits to coerce and corrupt formal and them expressed support for accountability and vetting. traditional authorities. Just prior to the conference, the Government of Afghanistan With its broad public support, an aggressive pro-justice policy took a definitive step toward meeting the people’s demand for could present the government and the international community justice. President Hamid Karzai and his Cabinet unanimously with a chance to correct what many Afghans perceive as a costly passed the Action Plan, after nearly a year of tireless effort strategy. Regardless, the seeming impossibility of consensus means by the AIHRC, UNAMA’s Human Rights unit, and a few key that the government and international community may finally ministries and embassies. The five-part plan is short on details have to decide how seriously they believe that justice, in the end, and firm commitments, but it includes the strongest statement yet promotes peace. against impunity: “[C]onsidering the clear Koranic verses and the international law, no amnesty should be provided for war crimes, Tom Perriello is a partner and fellow of Res Publica, a justice and security crimes against humanity and other gross violations of human analysis group based in New York. He supported the survey in Afghanistan rights.” as a consultant to the International Center for Transitional Justice. His Throughout the consultations and the conference, most previous transitional justice work includes projects in Sierra Leone, Sudan, people expressed concern that the government and international Kosovo, Chile, Argentina, India, and the US. community are losing Afghanistan by continually strengthening Guest contributors to Afghan Update are given free reign to comment on the warlords at the expense of the people. When asked if the current affairs in Afghanistan. The opinions expressed do not necessarily alleged war criminals would create instability if indicted, most reflect UNAMA’s views.

 Winterization UNHCR distribution center in Gardez

In preparation for the harsh winter months, the World Food Programme and the High Commissioner for Refugees pre-position stocks of food and other items for distribution to returned refugees and other vulnerable populations in remote, inaccessible, and potentially snowbound areas. Their efforts provide relief to more than a half-million Afghans.

UNHCR Non-Food Items Stock Report for Specified Locations Jalalabad Kabul Southeast Kandahar Herat Mazar Commodity Packing Ration Number of Families Total Description Unit Scale 2600 2000 2800 2000 4000 500 stocks Blankets Pcs 2 per fam of 5 5200 4000 5600 4000 8000 1000 27,800 Kitchen Sets Set 1 per fam of 5 380 280 400 280 580 80 2000 Plastic.Sheeting Pcs 2 per fam of 5 5200 4000 5600 4000 8000 1000 27,800 Soap MT 1kg/F*3Month 2.6 2 2.8 2 4 0.5 13.9 Sleeping Mat Pcs 1 per fam of 5 380 280 400 280 580 80 2000 Hurricane Lantern Pcs 1 per fam of 5 2600 2000 2800 2000 4000 500 13,900 Jerry Cans Pcs 1 per fam of 5 380 280 400 280 580 80 2000

WFP 2005/2006 Winter Pre-Position Update PLANNED PREPOSITIONED Area Office Province # Districts No. Beneficiary MT MT % Bamyan 2 5,881 561 580 103% Ghor 1 8,084 903 976 108% Kabul Dai Kundi 6 62,621 3,549 3,230 91% Wardak 2 6,613 197 88 44% sub-total 11 83,199 5,210 4,873 94% Nooristan 8 45,112 1,536 1,404 91% Kunar 1 5,996 201 179 89% Jalalabad Laghman 1 15,548 399 302 76% Nangarhar 1 14,183 400 373 93% sub-total 11 80,839 2,536 2,258 89% Badakhshan 9 59,172 5,655 5,655 100% Baghlan 10 100,716 2,751 2,751 100% Faizabad Takhar 2 26,551 1,970 1,970 100% sub-total 21 186,439 10,375 10,375 100% Badghis 5 22,206 607 607 100% Hirat Ghor 9 36,620 1,192 1,138 95% sub-total 14 58,826 1,800 1,745 97% Balkh 5 48,395 1,422 1,422 100% Faryab 3 45,030 1,368 1,367 100% Mazar Samangan 3 41,000 737 737 100% Sari Pul 2 27,520 499 499 100% sub-total 13 161,945 4,025 4,024 100% Grand Total 70 571,248 23,946 23,276 97%

10

Supply Unit, Delivery, OCM Kabul - Afghanistan NFI Stock Report UNHCR.sh Basic NFI Summary Page 1 UNODC

Survey Examines Scope of Drug Abuse in Afghanistan There are nearly a million drug users in Afghanistan today. Among of drug users is lower than in Iran but higher than in Pakistan. these are an estimated 50,000 heroin users and more than a half million The drug categories in the survey were opium, heroin, hashish, hashish users. The estimated number of women drug users is 120,000, pharmaceuticals (non-prescribed psychoactive drugs), alcohol, and along with 60,000 children. other miscellaneous drugs, including cannabis and opium-poppy The findings are part of the Drug Use Survey 2005 undertaken by derivatives and liquids such as petrol and glue. Nearly half the drug the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with users interviewed said they used more than one illicit drug type. the Ministry of Counter Narcotics and the Ministry of Public Health. The drug most commonly used is hashish: there are some 520,000 UNODC released a summary of the survey at the end of the year, and users countrywide. Under the category of “other drugs,” there are the full report will be released in early 2006. 200,000 users; of these, more than 95 per cent were found to be poly- Production and trafficking of drugs in Afghanistan, in particular drug users, half of whom consume opium. Alcohol, banned under opium and heroin, has been the focus of enormous attention over Afghan law, is used by 160,000 people. Thirty per cent of these drink the past several years. The narcotics trade, as it fosters and thrives locally produced or homemade alcohol. on instability, represents an ongoing obstacle to reconstruction, The rates for opium and heroin users are 150,000 and 50,000, development, and efforts to increase security around the country. respectively. Most of these—86 per cent—are daily users. For Its effects are felt far beyond the borders of Afghanistan, and the many, first exposure to these drugs came while living as refugees, Government and its international partners have worked together particularly in Iran. closely to address this problem. Another report recently issued by One of the most alarming statistics of the report is the proportion UNODC, this one on opium cultivation, testifies to successes in the of injecting heroin users, at 15 percent—more than 7000 individuals. Government-led eradication effort—there was a 21 per cent reduction Needle sharing is a major path of transmission for HIV/AIDS and other in poppy cultivation—but favorable weather conditions led to higher diseases, and while today the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases in yields per hectare, and thus higher production. Furthermore, there are Afghanistan is very low, the number of injecting users indicates a point indications that last year’s restraint by farmers may not be duplicated of vulnerability for broader transmission. in 2006. Among men and women, there are notable differences in the The flow of narcotics out of the country, however, has largely pattern of drug use. Women’s use of drugs is less public—they obscured another question: How much drug use exists within typically ingest pharmaceutical drugs or opium at home, and prefer Afghanistan itself? to eat rather than smoke opium. Therefore, an accurate estimate of If there has been any assumption that the problem of drugs their use is harder to obtain. has been one strictly of cultivation rather than consumption and Information for the drug survey came from 1480 key informants addiction, the UNODC survey provides serious and alarming and 1393 drug users in 32 provincial capitals, 30 district centres, evidence to the contrary. and 152 villages in Afghanistan. While the survey’s findings reveal a The estimated 920,000 drug users in Afghanistan represent 3.8 per troubling social trend, they also point to the way forward. cent of the total population. Speaking to the press in Kabul, UNODC “We are concerned about some results from the survey,” says Representative Doris Buddenberg said, “It shows that a country which General Khodaidad, Deputy Minister for Counter Narcotics, “but produces drugs, in the long run this also translates to drug addiction.” In also pleased that this will now enable us to take more focused action terms of a regional pattern, Ms. Buddenberg noted that the percentage to tackle this problem.”

Estimated number of drug users – urban and rural Urban Rural 1 1 Drug Type Male Female Child Male Female Child National Total Opium 27,036 5,847 510 105,172 10,682 3,624 152,869 Heroin 19,698 1,968 13 26,103 1,500 256 49,536 Hashish 82,930 2,135 41 428,294 5,948 2,738 522,084 Pharmaceuticals 9,418 6,140 1,585 82,458 51,304 28,042 178,945 3.1 EstimationAlcohol of the Number 79,940 of 9,123 Drug 984Users 63,854 9,476 0 163,376 Other Drugs 6,826 4,015 1,688 86,310 60,003 44,597 203,437 Estimations of theTotal number 225,846of drug 29,227 users 4,819were calculated 792,189 138,911 using 79,255 both key1,270,247 informants and drug Total, adjusted for users’ reports. A simple2 average164,000 of 21,000 the key 3,000 info 575,000rmants 100,000 and drug 57,000 users’ 920,000 estimates was used to poly-drug use minimize the likelihood of over or under estimation (see Table 5) 1 Children are under 15 years old 2 Rounded figures Table 2a. Estimated number of urban and rural drug users, based on interviews with Comparison of drug use estimates & averages 1480 key informants and 1393 drug users. Key Informant estimates Drug User estimates Average Drug Type Male Female Child Total Male Female Child Total Male Female Child Total Urban Rural Opium 149,062 21,123 5,842 176,027 115,3521 11,934 1,707 128,992 132,2071 16,528 3,774 152,510 HeroinDrug 52,556 Type 3,677 Male 514 Female 56,747 39,046Child 3,257Male 22 Female 42,325Child 45,801Total 3,467 268 49,536 Opium 18% 4% <1% 69% 7% 2% 100% Hashish 500,069 10,917 3,750 514,736 522,378 5,248 1,806 529,432 511,224 8,083 2,778 522,084 Heroin 40% 4% <1% 53% 3% 1% 100% Pharmaceuticals 101,037Hashish 63,433 16% 41,467 205,937 <1% 82,713 <1% 51,455 82% 17,785 1% 151,953 1% 91,875 100% 57,444 29,626 178,945 AlcoholPharmaceuticals 161,430 8,439 5% 0 169,869 3% 126,157 1% 28,758 46% 1,968 29% 156,883 16% 143,794 100% 18,599 984 163,376 Other 103,892Alcohol 74,552 49% 57,184 235,628 6% 82,378 1% 51,676 39% 33,563 6% 167,617 <1% 93,135 100% 63,114 45,374 201,623 Total 1,068,046Other Drugs 182,141 3% 108,757 1,358,944 2% 968,024 1% 152,328 42% 56,851 29% 1,177,202 22% 1,018,035 167,234100% 82,804 1,268,073

Table 2b. Urban and rural drug users as % of users of each drug type.3 Table 5: Comparison between estimates of drug use provided by key informants, estimates 11 providedThe byuse drug of illicit users, drugs and is ubiquitousaverage estimates. in Afghanistan. Based on key informants and drug users’ estimates there are a total of 1.25 million drug users. Adjusting this figure to allow for the rates of poly-drug use ie a single user could have been counted two or more times, it is estimated that there are 920,000 illicit drug users in Afghanistan. This figure represents 3.8% of the total As all population.32 province centers were visited by surveyors, no extrapolation is needed for urban figures given by drug users or key informants. For rural areas (districts and villages) drug user estimationsIn discussions were done with at workers UN zone in druglevel treatme for eachnt centres drug type and other using: experienced drug demand reduction workers it was noted that women’s drug use patterns are less public than men’s. Most women’s pharmaceutical and opium use occurs at home, and women typically ingest opium DU i ratherxi * thanD i smokingyi *V it,i making equation their drug (1) use less visible to other members of the community. In light of this the key informants and drug users interviewed may have had less knowledge about Wherefemale drug use than male drug use in their communities and that their estimates of the level of female drug use underestimate the true amount.

DU i Estimated number of drug users in zone i x Average number of users of drug i in sampled district centre i 2.2 Regional Findings Di Total number of districts in zone i The estimated level of drug use of most drug types is much higher in Central and Northern yi AverageZones than number other areas of usersof Afgha of nistandrug (seei in tables sampled 3a&b) villages for both men and women. The highest level of drug use in the Central Zone is found in Kabul City and surrounding rural areas. In the Vi Total number of villages in zone i

1 Children are less than 15 years old The population2. Rounded figures of villages and district centres vary across each zone. Therefore a ‘boot strap technique’ was used to calculate the total number of users for each drug category. This means, equation (1) was iterated 10,000 times and the average of all iterations was used to derive the final estimation figures.

3.2 Adjustment for Poly-Drug Users

By simply combining the total number of users of each drug type to arrive at an overall total number of drug users over represents the number of drug users, since an individual drug user may have been counted in the figures for more than one drug type (e.g. an opium user who also uses hashish and alcohol would be included three times in the combined total figure). Based on drug user’s answers regarding their personal drug use patterns it was found that 54% of all drug users take only one drug type, and 27% of all drug users take a combination of 2 drug types. Voice of the People

What is the most important thing for the future of Afghanistan? Opinions from around the country

“The important thing is “To have a good future, we elimination of corruption. should go to school, because Afghanistan must improve people must be educated. After its relation with the world. that, unity is a very important District schools should be thing in our country.” provided funds so children —Gul Mohammed, don’t remain illiterate.” sixth grader, Gardez —Zaheerudin, student, Mazar-i Sharif

“The government should pro- “The most important thing for vide us security. These bomb Afghanistan is to provide job blasts and suicide attacks must opportunities to the people, stop.” —Mohammad Nabi, because unemployment results driver, Kandahar in insecurity, poverty, and frustration among the people.” —Ama Jan, Kandahar

“Peace and security is very “Promoting household econo- important. Second thing is mies is the solution. Family education. Women are half of violence is a result of eco- our population and almost all nomic problems. International of them are illiterate. A literate money should be monitored woman can raise her children so everyone knows where the in a good way.” —Shazia, money is spent.” —Fahim, nurse, Gardez student, Mazar-i Sharif

First of all, water is very “Security and education are important. If we have enough important things for Afghani- water, we can provide all of stan. Secondly, the govern- our necessities and will not ment should assist widows need foreign assistance.” and orphans and create job —Mohammad Usof, opportunities for the people.” farmer, Balkh province —Nazo, Kandahar

“I believe that three things “I think Afghans should quit can play an effective role in linguistic, territorial, and per- development of the country: sonal differences and become education, security, and recon- a united nation. Then we can struction. Our country was have a better future for our- destroyed by 25 years of fight- selves and our country. And ing; now it needs to rebuild.” security is very important.” —Dr. Obaidullah, —Khalid Ahmad, Kandahar physician, Gardez

12 Correspondence

Letter from London: Shoaib Sharifi

If you travel abroad as an Afghan, you will The sad thing was the coverage of Afghanistan realise something that cannot be understood in British media. Afghan stories were on TV and in at home: Afghanistan has achieved significant the local press almost every day — assassinations, development in the last few years. You will terrorism, bombing, war on terror, women, also notice that outsiders have come to see insecurity, and lack of government beyond the Afghans in a completely different light. capital Kabul were the messages I heard about We are no longer assumed to be Al-Qaida or my country. Taliban, or as people who travel only to seek Just three years later, the situation had asylum abroad. The new image of Afghans is changed miraculously. During a short break in of a people seeking international expertise Dubai, I got my UK visa in just three hours. and experience in order to rehabilitate their And arriving in London, I found myself right at “post-war country.” Once all but disappeared home, thanks to the escalators at Kabul City from glossaries, Afghanistan sits again at the Centre and the newly installed phone booths top of the alphabetical order. around Kabul city. Last September I left Kabul for London to pursue Now I come from a country that has more than my post-graduate studies. While passing through 300 publications and a growing number of private immigration in Dubai International airport, the television stations. There are dozens of radio behaviour of the immigration officer assured me stations in the cities and even villages. We that I was representing a proper country. have a country that has an elected president This man, who looked nothing like an Afghan, and an elected parliament, with significant knew more about my country than some overseas participation of women. Freedom of expression Afghans. “You will have a new parliament. I is as never before. heard the militias are disarmed,” said the Each day living in London is an experience. officer. “I hear Afghans are hospitable.” He I think every Afghan, or at least the decision stamped my passport and waved me through. makers and policy makers, should spend some I felt very proud to hear that. The comment time here. carried two messages — one, that Afghanistan I have realised that we have the money, is no more a forgotten country; and, two, that resources, and time to improve the country. Afghans are regaining their reputation as What we still severely lack are the expertise friendly and hospitable people. and standards. I was reminded of my first oversees trip to At City University, where I am studying for a Britain in 2002, just a few months after the Master’s degree in international journalism, collapse of the Taliban regime. It was my first- most lecturers are well-known journalists ever trip outside my country. from the British media. Some are columnists I felt like a stranger from a dangerous and writers whose stories dominate the papers planet. every day. Our lecturers carry out more When I presented my passport at immigration in extensive research and studies than even the Dubai, the officer immediately called the police students themselves. It is from their example to hold me until he could scan my passport and that we learn, more than from any textbook. UK visa. I nearly missed the flight because they My main goal is to acquire knowledge decided to check if I was among the international and up-to-date skills to contribute to “most wanteds.” the rehabilitation of Afghanistan through After years of living amidst conflict, arriving journalism. As I learn new skills, I try in London was more than a culture shock. The to implement them in my imaginary world in escalators at Heathrow airport, the automatic Afghanistan. In this world, I see an Afghan doors in London supermarkets which open as you media that prioritises the news based on approach, the phone booths on every street its value instead of political or party corner — it all looked like a wonder world. interests. I see a school of journalism based The news kiosk in Westminster station, with on “learning by doing,” and an Afghan society hundreds of London newspapers and magazines, in which every individual is a member of was a difficult place to make a choice. The citizen journalism. Independent, The Times, The Daily Telegraph…. I firmly believe that efficient, high-quality Meanwhile, local television and radio stations journalism will help the country ensure democracy added to my amazement. Each one was better than and sustain a free press. the last. It really raised my eyebrows to watch the live broadcast of Tony Blair’s “Question Shoaib Sharifi was a reporter for the Kabul Times 1996–2002 Time” on the BBC, with the Prime Minister taking and IRIN News 2002–2005. Last fall, he won a Sky News critical questions on the spot. scholarship to study journalism at London City University. 13 Remembrance

Spear of the Sun

Open the window! The sun is shining

Shut the door to the night And tell the darkness

We shine the crown of the daughter of the moon While we wear the morning star as our earring

If you descend To the volcanic furnace that is our heart You will burn like tinder Because the sunlight of truth is on our side Even if we are hopeless and tired and fending off darkness Like the sun spears the night So shall we destroy the darkening mirror

Open your eyes And gaze to the heights of heaven To the eternal sparkling of golden stars That softly illuminate your existence The light that burns in your home Testifies to our glowing and passionate heart I swear to the rainbow Its colors are the only beauty of our age

Don’t turn to the darkness The morning light nears to bright green

The dark night is full of horrors And gloom

For the highest truth and the deepest kindness Smile at the dawn And shut out the dark

—Nadia Anjuman (1980–2005)

14 Scenes Metal workers polish bukhari wood stoves

Photos of the Day

OCPI captures Afghan moments. Photographs by Freshta Dunya

Children on the swings in the Women’s Garden

Kabul University students walk through campus on a snowy day

Pul-e Khushti Mosque, downtown Kabul

More photos of the day at: www.unama-afg.org

15 UNAMA Office of Communications and Public Information