Afghanistan Quarterly Haysom: We Are Here As Partners of Afghans UN Special Envoy Talks with Afghans from Across the Country Ian and Women’S Rights Activist

Stories inside include... London Meet: Peace Award: UN’s political chief Activist wins calls for continued UNDP award for her international advocacy work engagement in promoting women’s Afghanistan Page 3 rights Page 2

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Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 Afghanistan Quarterly Haysom: We are here as partners of Afghans UN special envoy talks with Afghans from across the country ian and women’s rights activist. Speaking about the country’s current security challenges, Mr. Haysom said that what is required now is a dialogue process in which Afghans talk to Afghans. “We have said, at every available opportunity, that we would make our services available to facilitate these talks and to provide any opportunity for Afghans to talk to Afghans from right across the political spectrum,” he said. “I believe very strongly that Af- ghans, more than maybe anyone else in the world, deserve peace and they need peace, because the country cannot afford the costs of war, the costs in financial terms and in human terms, for another 13 years,” he added. Calling attention to global economic challenges and the impact those fiscal problems have had on the financial wherewithal of member states, the special en- Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, meets with Afghans ahead of the ‘Open voy identified the stark realities Jirga’ programme, the bi-weekly panel talk show of Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA). It is backed by the UK’s Department for of shrinking budgets at a time International Development, and is a joint RTA and BBC Media Action production. (Photo by Fardin Waezi) of other emerging crises, such as he top UN official in Kabul, Mr. Haysom, the head of the UN lems which Afghanistan faces— Ebola, and the situations in Mali, Nicholas Haysom, stressed Assistance Mission in Afghanistan politically, economically, securi- Syria and elsewhere. the world body’s commitment (UNAMA), debated a broad range ty-wise—can’t be dealt with by a “We expect, as UNAMA, to to support Afghanistan and to back of issues about how the United Na- nation divided, 50 per cent on one face pressure from our head office the nascent Government of National tions fits into and addresses key ar- side and 50 per cent on the other,” as to how we use our funds and Unity, during a debate with Afghan eas, such as human rights, women’s said the special envoy. “It needs a how much money we can get,” he audiences broadcast in early Decem- rights, security, elections, corruption nation with unity of purpose and said. “So it just goes to show that ber on state television. and peace talks. a common vision.” there is a limit both to what we On the state broadcaster’s flag- The UNAMA chief, who is The other distinguished Afghan can do and the resources that we ship panel show, ‘Open Jirga,’ Mr. also the Special Representative panellists on the programme were are going to increasingly be able Haysom highlighted the UN’s back- of the Secretary-General for Af- Sultan A. Aziz, the senior advisor to get further down the road.” ing to Afghanistan, responding to ghanistan, made clear his sup- to the Afghan Deputy Minister of The ‘Open Jirga’ programme is questions from a studio audience port for the position of President Interior in charge of strategy and the bi-weekly flagship panel talk brought together from across the Ashraf Ghani and Chief Execu- policy; Ahmad Wali Massoud, show of Radio Television Afghani- country’s 34 provinces. “We are here tive Officer Abdullah Abdullah who heads an Afghan organization stan (RTA). It is backed by the UK’s as partners of the Afghan people at on the necessity for a govern- involved in social, cultural, edu- Department for International De- a most difficult time in the Afghan ment of national unity. cational and health activities; and velopment, and is a joint RTA and nation’s history,” he said. “They say… that the huge prob- Shinkai Karokhail, a parliamentar- BBC Media Action production. 2 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 Young Afghan activist wins UNDP peace award An international panel women like me is not expected to play active role in public life, much recognized Hasina Jalal for less become an activist.” her advocacy work, which She explained that, even in fac- has focused on equality ing such challenges, she remains resilient. “I believe that inclusion of for Afghan women, women is not a favour to women particularly women from but an essential element for peace,” she said, stressing that she intends rural areas. to continue to focus on helping asina Jalal is one of two amplify the voices of young wom- Afghans to win the 2014 en through education and train- HN-Peace Award prize, ad- ing, and promoting partnerships ministered by the United Nations and collaboration among women’s Development Programme (UNDP) groups, working to bring together to recognize the leadership role of the voices of people who are being women and peace advocates from six marginalized by violence, poverty conflict-affected countries in Asia. and isolation. Ms. Jalal, a founding member Hasina Jalal (right), a founding member of the National Association of Afghanistan Civil Society “I believe that the collective of the National Association of Af- and board member of the Freedom Message Newspaper, received UNDP’s N-Peace award in the power of the disempowered is key ghanistan Civil Society and board category of “Untold Stories: Women Transforming their Communities.” (Photo courtesy UNDP) to equality, democracy and a peace- member of the Freedom Message stan’s women, particularly women the agenda of women’s rights. “My ful and more progressive life for all,” Newspaper, was named the win- from rural areas. In her work, the work for a more inclusive soci- she said. “In winning this award, I ner of the “Untold Stories: Women young Afghan activist has focused ety extends to the written word, demonstrated that young women Transforming their Communities” on helping to raise the voices of in which I expose abuses against in Afghanistan are capable of con- category for Afghanistan in an Oc- young women through education women, promote inclusion and cel- tributing to peace and development tober awards ceremony. and training activities, and by pro- ebrate freedom of expression,” she despite the many social, economic More than 100 nominations were moting partnerships and collabora- went on to say, describing how she and political obstacles, and the received from the six participating tion among women’s groups. cofounded the Freedom Message enormous threats to their security.” countries: Indonesia, the Philip- “Receiving the 2014 N-Peace Newspaper to promote freedom of Since 2011, the N-Peace Awards pines, Afghanistan, Nepal and first- Award has motivated me to struggle expression, tolerance and under- have recognized the efforts of wom- time participants Myanmar and for Afghan women’s rights toward standing of democratic principles. en peace activists in Asia as well as Pakistan. The winners were chosen an ideal of equality and freedom,” Despite her achievements, she male partners who focus on gen- by an international selection panel said Ms. Jalal, noting that she feels explained, there are many chal- der equality and the inclusion of for their contribution to building proud of her achievement. “I have lenges still to be overcome, not the women in peace processes in their peace with and for women in their an uncompromising belief in the least of which is the ongoing threat own countries. The 2014 awardees respective countries. promotion of women’s rights and to her personal safety. “Recent joined other peace advocates from The judges recognized Ms. Jalal democratic principles, enabling me events in Afghanistan witnessed the region and the awards selection for her advocacy and empower- to remain resilient in the face of cul- women activists and defenders of panellists for an Awards Ceremony ment work, which has focused on tural barriers and security threats.” human rights being assassinated by in Bangkok, Thailand, in October. spreading awareness and demand- Despite the challenges she faces, enemies of the people,” she said. “In N-Peace is managed by UNDP’s ing greater equality for Afghani- she said she will continue to push the culture of Afghanistan, a young Asia-Pacific Regional Centre. Legislation bans use of children in security forces The passing of new Nations urges all armed groups to halt the recruitment of children, as legislation follows the required under international law.” endorsement earlier in A recently released report 2014 of an action plan to on children and armed conflict from the world body’s chief, Ban end the recruitment of Ki-moon, highlighted issues re- underage Afghans into garding child recruitment in security forces. Afghanistan. According to the report, in 2013 alone, nearly he United Nations in Af- 100 boys—some as young as ghanistan welcomed the eight years old—were recruited Tpassing of legislation in early into armed forces, including in November by the Afghan Lower state security. House of Parliament to criminalize Since 1998, more than 100,000 underage recruitment in the Af- children associated with armed ghan National Security Forces as a forces or armed groups have re- significant step forward in protect- The Afghan Lower House of Parliament passed legislation to criminalize underage recruitment in ceived UNICEF assistance to re- ing the rights of Afghan children. the Afghan National Security Forces, following the endorsement in 2014 of an action plan, signed turn to school and receive educa- The passing of the legislation fol- with the UN in 2011, to end the recruitment of underage Afghans. (Photo courtesy RTA) tion and vocational training, with lows the endorsement by the Gov- national security charges are treated and should be stopped without de- the ultimate goal of providing the ernment of a 15-point roadmap to in line with international juvenile lay,” said UNAMA’s Human Rights children with future opportuni- implement an action plan signed justice standards; and improved Director, Georgette Gagnon, who is ties for income-generating work. with the UN in 2011 to end the re- age-verification mechanisms. also Representative of the UN High Congratulating the Govern- cruitment of Afghans under 18 years The roadmap was supported Commissioner for Human Rights. ment on moving the legislation old into the country’s security forces. by UNAMA and the United Na- “This law should advance the forward, UNICEF’s Officiating The measures outlined in the tions Children’s Fund (UNICEF) roadmap for the prevention of Representative in Afghanistan, roadmap include the criminaliza- in their roles as co-chairs of the underage recruitment into armed Lakshmi Narayan Balaji, pledged tion of the recruitment and use of UN-led Country Task Force on forces and, most importantly, continued support to the Govern- children by security forces; the de- Children and Armed Conflict. should advance the protection of ment for the full implementation velopment of a policy to ensure that “The recruitment of children has children’s rights in Afghanistan,” of the action plan to prevent and children arrested and detained on been a real concern in Afghanistan, Ms. Gagnon added. “The United end underage recruitment. Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 3 UN political chief urges new approach to Afghanistan The UN Under-Secretary- signed an agreement to establish a General for Political Affairs government of national unity, ultimately ending the months of politi- says Afghanistan’s recent cal uncertainty that followed a run- presidential elections mark a off vote between the two. key milestone in the political But while the seeds of political progress had been planted, Mr. rebirth of the nation. Feltman added at the 4 December espite lingering instability high-level meeting, much work and economic fragility, Af- still remained to be done in the Dghanistan sits at an historic country’s overhaul. crossroads from which it can fully “Endemic poverty, hunger and transition to a “strong, independent, malnutrition, faltering growth, di- and forward-looking” nation, the minishing revenue and a burgeoning top United Nations political official illicit economy continue to diminish said on 4 December in London. opportunities for Afghan communi- In his message to the London ties, and inherently leave open space Conference on Afghanistan, Un- for those who seek to exploit such der-Secretary-General for Political fragility for their own ends,” he told Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, noted that the gathering, which included Presi- although many challenges lay ahead dent Ghani and Mr. Abdullah, and for the Asian country on its road to was also attended by the UN Special Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani speaks at the London Conference, 4 December 2014. stability and peace, it had neverthe- Representative and Deputy Special The Conference brought together the international community in support of a peaceful less successfully transferred politi- Representative of the Secretary- future for Afghanistan. (Photo by Patrick Tsui/FCO) cal power from one democratically General for Afghanistan, Nicholas nity in order to catalyse economic with its necessary reforms, the Under- elected leader to another in its re- Haysom and Mark Bowden. growth and development. Secretary-General warned that the cent elections—a feat, he said, that “Similarly, corruption, weak rule “Improved governance, revital- security situation remained “deeply marked “a key milestone in the po- of law and lack of respect for human ized markets and strengthened in- troubling,” and humanitarian support litical rebirth of the nation.” rights including women’s rights, re- stitutions can only take place with remained “an acute need” for large Afghanistan’s democratic elec- main widespread, exercising a deep- the assistance, commitment and in- swathes of the population. tions concluded in September when ly corrosive influence on both the put of the community, civil society, “Despite the drawdown in inter- presidential candidates Ashraf capacity of Government to deliver the private sector and regional part- national military forces, the inter- Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah results and the faith that Afghans ners,” he continued. “Only through national community must remain and the international community such broad engagement can the engaged in combating the devas- can place in Government itself.” conditions in which greater stabil- tating effects on civilians of this The UN official highlighted, ity, increased peace and growth in conflict,” stated Mr. Feltman, who however, that Afghanistan’s political opportunity prosper.” urged members of the international class is “keenly aware and engaged” He urged Afghan stakeholders community, including the UN, to in confronting these issues as it pre- to address the country’s economic refrain from “business as usual.” pared an “ambitious and focused fragility not only through a bolster- “Genuine partnership requires proposal for reform and renewal.” ing of the rule of law framework but both honesty and commitment on To that point, Mr. Feltman ex- also through empowering Afghani- both sides, and I acknowledge that plained that the conference offered stan’s women and strengthening the rethinking our approach to develop- Afghanistan and its citizens an op- safeguards to protect them—a nec- ment in this context is an opportune portunity to forge “strong, sustain- essary step, he clarified, to ensuring discussion, and one rich in potential UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, able and accountable” partnerships prosperity and growth. rewards for how we all progress a Jeffrey Feltman. (Photo: Patrick Tsui/FCO) with the international commu- As the country pushes forward sustainable reform agenda.” Country’s solutions are ‘political and not military’ Speaking in Brussels at a ternational security assistance in armed opposition groups are still North Atlantic Council accordance with mutually agreed responsible for the vast majority of security agreements is vital,” said civilian casualties. meeting of Foreign Ministers, Mr. Haysom. “International atten- The shared goal of a sovereign UNAMA chief Nicholas tion will not waver and Afghanistan and prosperous Afghanistan, Mr. Haysom called for sustained will not, once again, be abandoned Haysom continued, can only be to further cycles of civil strife.” accomplished through enduring and predictable international While paying condolences to the peace. He welcomed the approach assistance to Afghanistan. families of those who have lost fam- of Afghanistan’s recently elected UNAMA chief Nicholas Haysom. (Photo n 2 December in Brussels, ily members, Mr. Haysom, who is authorities in seeking solutions to courtesy NIDS/NATO Multimedia) Belgium, the United Na- also head of the UN Assistance Mis- many of the key challenges facing freshly mandated and broadly sup- Otions Special Representative sion in Afghanistan, highlighted his the country. ported,” he added. “I commend Pres- of the Secretary-General for Af- deep concern at the continued high Afghanistan elections this year ident Ghani and Chief Executive Of- ghanistan, Nicholas Haysom, called number of civilian casualties. marked the country’s first-ever trans- ficer Abdullah for working together for continued international assis- “It is civilians who increasingly fer of power from one elected presi- through the difficulties of making tance to Afghanistan and support bear the brunt of this grinding con- dent to another. The Afghan political this complex arrangement work.” to its institutions. flict,” he said, urging the interna- transition coincides with a security “We all recognize that ultimately Speaking in Brussels at a North tional community to boost, among transition, with the country’s security the solutions to conflict in Afghani- Atlantic Council meeting of For- other things, Afghan institutions’ forces taking up security responsi- stan are political and not military; I eign Ministers, Mr. Haysom com- ability to mitigate the threat posed bilities from their international allies, welcome the priority given by the mended those countries that have to civilians by the conflict. who are ending their combat mission new administration to reconcili- contributed to security, but said that He acknowledged significant at the close of the year. ation and outreach,” Mr. Haysom a clear message needs to be heard remedial measures taken by inter- “While the electoral process was concluded. “The United Nations, as from the international community. national military forces to reduce protracted and challenging, the re- requested, stands ready to support “Sustained and predictable in- civilian casualties and noted that sult is a leadership that is legitimate, this in any way it can.” 4 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 Campaign to eliminate violence against women Violence against Topics highlighted in the Afghan women UN-backed events that have taken place in 15 of ‘widespread’ Afghanistan’s 34 provinces The UN Special Rapporteur included education as detailed her assessment a way to raise greater of the situation of Afghan awareness about violence women following a against women. weeklong investigative trip nited Nations-backed radio to the country. broadcasts, television debates and theatre performances he United Nations Special U Rapporteur on violence against focused on the critical importance of protecting Afghan women and girls Twomen, Rashida Manjoo, from violence. spoke to members of the media The International Day for the at a Kabul press conference on 12 Elimination of Violence against November, detailing her assessment Women (EVAW), commemorated of the situation of Afghan women annually on 25 November, marked following a weeklong investigative the beginning of ‘16 Days of trip to the country. Activism Against Gender Violence,’ During a UN-backed event held as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’ At the end of the visit, which took information campaign, Panjsher University students discuss and debate Afghan legislation Ms. Manjoo to Kabul, Jalalabad and a UN information campaign related to protecting women’s human rights. (Photo by Sayed Muhammad Shah) designed to link violence against Herat, the world body’s Special women with human rights issues, “We need to strengthen eastern province of Nuristan, the Rapporteur delivered a statement in with awareness-raising activities Governor of Nurgram district, which she outlined developments leading up to Human Rights Day implementation of Niamatullah Muslim, said in the country related to the rights on 10 December. women and girls need greater of Afghan women and girls, and The radio and televisionEVAW law. We also access to justice. He called on the identified the challenges they face. broadcasts across the country, Government to encourage girls “Violence against women and facilitated by the United Nations need to place more focus to study and urged community girls is a widespread and systemic Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on preventing violence elders to refer cases of violence problem that has an impact (UNAMA), involved scholars, against women to the appropriate throughout the lifecycle of women university students, religious against women and judicial organs. and girls, whether it occurs in leaders, government officials and According to a joint UN news the public or private spheres,” civil society members, and covered girls, which requires release, violence against women said Ms. Manjoo. “It precludes a broad spectrum of opinions on and girls in Afghanistan remains the realisation of civil, political, how best to end violence against the engagement of all endemic, and constitutes a violation economic, social, cultural and Afghan women and girls. of human rights, impeding women’s development rights, and is a Topics highlighted in the radio segments of society.” full realization of their civil, barrier to the effective exercise of citizenship by women and girls.” and television broadcasts, and —Elzira Sagynbaeva political, social, cultural, economic at various events that have taken and development potential. Ms. Majoo called attention to place in 15 of Afghanistan’s 34 violence against women, I request “Afghan women and girls must institutional improvements that provinces, included education as religious leaders and community be able to fully enjoy their freedom she characterized as a “reflection a way to raise greater awareness elders to raise awareness among and contribute to the building of of political will” in addressing the about violence against women, ordinary people, particularly the nation,” said the UN Secretary- promotion and protection of women’s judicial mechanisms to redress young people, about women’s General’s Special Representative rights. However, she said, such victims of violence appropriately, human rights,” said a civil society for Afghanistan, Nicholas Haysom, developments should not detract and ways to increase participation activist, Nooria Hameedi, during who is also head of UNAMA. “There from the fact that violence against of women in Afghanistan’s a discussion in the northeastern should be no place in Afghanistan women continues to be a source of political and peace processes. province of Baghlan. for violence and discrimination deep concern in Afghanistan. “To reduce and eliminate At a similar roundtable in the against women and girls, and every “It is crucial to recognize that effort is needed to end the impunity violence against women and girls is a for such violent crimes.” human rights violation that is rooted In the joint news release, the UN in multiple and intersecting forms of Women Country Representative discrimination and inequalities, and in Afghanistan, Elzira Sagynbaeva, that it is strongly linked to the social, said that more than 80 per cent cultural and economic situation of of women in Afghanistan face women,” she said. violence in their lifetime. Ms. Manjoo’s findings from her “We need to strengthen trip to Afghanistan are expected implementation of EVAW law,” said to be released in a comprehensive Ms. Sagynbaeva. “We also need to report that she will present to the place more focus on preventing United Nations Human Rights violence against women and girls, Council in June 2015. which requires the engagement of all segments of society, and especially men and boys as partners in gender equality and respectful relationships.” In the interest of helping to address this issue, radio stations and television channels across At a UN-backed event held in Kandahar as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gen- Afghanistan scheduled repeat der Violence’ information campaign, a woman in the audience offers comments to a group broadcasts of the roundtable United Nations Special Rapporteur Rashi- panellists discussing women’s issues. (Photo by Mujeeb Rehman) discussions. da Majoo.(Photo by Fardin Waezi) Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 5 UN: Universal Declaration for all people everywhere In Afghanistan, and “Since the Declaration around the world, the UN commemorated Human was adopted, countless Rights Day with events people have gained designed to cultivate an appreciation for the greater freedom.” Universal Declaration. —Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein ach year, the United Nations commemorates Human discussed a broad range of human ERights Day on 10 December, rights issues, including international the day on which the UN General human rights declarations in the Assembly adopted the Universal context of Afghanistan. Declaration of Human Rights as the As a follow-on to the discussions “common standard of achievement held for Human Rights Day, street for all peoples and all nations.” theatre and debates about family- This year’s slogan, “Human violence issues were staged on 15 Rights 365,” is designed to reflect December at a UNAMA Human the notion that the fundamental Rights-backed event in the propositions in the Universal Shakardara district of Kabul. Declaration apply to all people, To commemorate this year’s Human Rights Day, UNAMA facilitated Kabul events to highlight the world body’s work in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sayed Muhammad Shah) The event, involving the Afghan everywhere, at all times. In Educational Children’s Circus Afghanistan, and around the In 1950, the UN General the exploited, and uphold the right (AECC), drew enthusiastic crowds world, the UN commemorated the Assembly proclaimed 10 December to human dignity for all,” he said. of local residents who cheered Day with various events designed as Human Rights Day to bring to Human rights form an during the children’s acrobatic to cultivate an understanding the attention of the peoples of the important part of the work carried performances and, in interviews of and appreciation for the world the Universal Declaration out by the UN Assistance Mission following the debates, said such Declaration and its applicability, of Human Rights as the common in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The programmes are important in across borders and throughout the standard of achievement for all Mission is expected to monitor the helping to raise awareness about year, to improving people’s lives. peoples and all nations. situation of civilians, to coordinate human rights issues, especially as Human rights are not In a statement, the High efforts to ensure their protection, they intersect with Afghan laws country-specific, said UN High Commissioner said the year 2014 to promote accountability, and to and social custom. Commissioner for Human Rights will be remembered as a year of assist in the full implementation “The progrmme was interesting, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, noting that daunting human rights challenges. of the fundamental freedoms and it had important messages human rights are the inalienable Nonetheless, he said, there have been and human rights provisions of for families, especially in terms of entitlements of all people, 365 days significant, ongoing, global advances the Afghan Constitution and focusing on how women and girls a year. The UN’s Human Rights in achieving human rights. international treaties to which should contact clinics and hospitals chief said the principles enshrined The UN Secretary-General, Afghanistan is a State party. in case they are suffering from in the Universal Declaration Ban Ki-moon, said the world To commemorate this year’s sickness and disease,” said Khalid serve to discredit the tyranny, body protects human rights Human Rights Day, UNAMA’s Siddiqui, an audience member and discrimination and contempt for because when people enjoy their human rights team facilitated a student at a local school. human beings that have so painfully rights, economies flourish and two daylong panel discussions in Ms. Siddiqui also said that such marked human history. countries are at peace. Mr. Ban and around Kabul to highlight programmes are important in “Since the Declaration was called on all countries to honour the activities, programmes and helping to raise awareness about adopted, countless people have their obligations to protect human structures of the world body’s the educational issues women and gained greater freedom,” he rights every day of the year, and human rights work in Afghanistan. girls face. She said women, if they said, noting that the Declaration urged people everywhere to hold The event attendees, including can receive an education, can serve embodies the notion that ideas their governments accountable. national human rights experts, their country as doctors, engineers can change the world. “Let us respond to the cries of activists and civil society members, and government officials. UN envoy, Afghan President decry rights violations The Secretary-General’s the recent upsurge in attacks by the rights of innocent civilians anti-government elements. “These caught in the country’s conflict and Deputy Special attacks are no longer acceptable,” directly and indirectly targeted by Representative for said the President. “They are not violent attacks. Afghanistan, Tadamichi Islamic; they are not humane.” President Ghani called attention Yamamoto, joined The UN Secretary-General’s to the enduring relevance of the Deputy Special Representative for Universal Declaration of Human Afghan President Ashraf Afghanistan and also deputy head Rights, adopted by the UN General Ghani in calling for an of the UN Assistance Mission Assembly on 10 December 1948. end to the culture of in Afghanistan (UNAMA), “The Declaration now turns to impunity in the country. Tadamichi Yamamoto, called for global values; in every constitution an end to the culture of impunity. it is endorsed around the world, fghanistan’s President and “There must be accountability and our constitution endorses it,” a senior United Nations for all those who commit human said the President. official on 14 December rights violations, and real efforts Mr. Yamamoto said that every A At an event in Kabul to mark Human condemned widespread human to end the entrenched impunity day in Afghanistan is a day the Rights Day, Tadamichi Yamamoto, the rights violations in the country that has been a feature of Afghan UN works diligently to ensure Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Rep- and urged that perpetrators be society for so long,” he said. that all Afghans can gain equality, resentative for Afghanistan, called for an held to account. dignity and freedom. “With end to the culture of impunity in Afghan- Many speakers at the Human istan. (Photo courtesy RTA) At an event in Kabul to mark Rights Day event, introduced by the the formation of the National Human Rights Day, President chair of the Afghan Independent Unity Government, committed consolidate and expand the human Ashraf Ghani spoke out against Human Rights Commission, Sima to a reform agenda, we believe rights protections achieved so far,” torture and violence, especially Samar, focused, in particular, on there is a genuine opportunity to said Mr. Yamamoto. 6 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 VOX POPULI The United Nations asked Afghans in different regions of the country the following question: “What kind of change for Afghanistan do you expect in the year ahead?” MAZAR-E SHARIF Mubina Saee, journalist ometimes I feel concerned seeing some of the disagreements between the two leaders, and I fear it will hold us back. But when I remember the promises the leadership has made, and their determination to fulfil them, I feel hope that the country will develop more quickly, and security Swill improve. Ultimately, this will build public trust toward the Government. KUNDUZ Abdul Qudoos, religious leader he people’s expectations are high. They hope the new Government will work toward achievements in various fields. Personally, my expectation is that the economy should be developed; security and peace should be provided; national unity should be strengthened; Islamic culture should be Tpromoted; poverty should be reduced; and family violence should be eradicated. KANDAHAR Nilofar Noori, journalist fghanistan will have bright prospects in the coming years. In terms of women’s rights, a lot of progress has been made, and girls can now get an education, work in offices and voice their opinion. Afghans have suffered a lot, and now they realize that their future can be peaceful and Aharmonious. We have high hopes to have an Afghanistan free from corruption. BAMYAN Hussaindad Ahmadi, civil society activist e expect from the National Unity Government of Aghanistan to pay more attention to the political and peace processes going on in the country. There should be a clear understanding between enemies of the country of Afghanistan and politically motivated anti-Government Wgroups. We expect the Government to take concrete steps toward the elimination of corruption. NANGARHAR Abdul Rashid Malekzai, university lecturer he foreign policy of the new Afghan Government of National Unity and the recent visits of President Ghani to different countries gave me a lot of hope, and I think we will witness many positive changes if the two teams remain united and committed to following through on their promises. I Texpect the new Government will take prompt action in bringing peace. HERAT Roqaia Rasooli, border police officer t has been five years since I started serving as a border police officer in Herat. I have experienced many challenges and problems during my work, and I am ready to face new ones. Next year will have more opportunity for Afghan police to show to the world and to the I people of Afghanistan that we are capable of defending our country. MAZAR-E SHARIF Sayed Basir Hashemi, journalist am concerned about the ambiguity of the cabinet and the declining trust of the people toward the Government. I am hoping they will appoint ministers immediately. And for the sake of the country, I sincerely hope they’ll appoint people who have something good to do for this nation, not because they belong to a specific party or ethnic group, or speak a Iparticular language. If things go well, I am hopeful that the Government will create jobs. KUNDUZ Gawharshad Bawar, civil servant y expectation for the next year is to eradicate poverty. The Government should provide employment opportunities to the people. More roles should be given to women in the National Unity Government. Work opportunities should be provided to women. Educated and qualified Mwomen should be appointed to high-ranking positions, such as in ministries. HERAT Abbass Hossaini, shopkeeper he quality of our lives changed positively after the Taliban’s regime. We have better hospitals and security, and a free country with a good police force and army now. What I saw in the news V O X P O P is that foreign U forces L will leave I us this year. I am not happy about that. We want them to stay in the country and support us to fight against the Taliban. T Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 7 Winter comes to Afghanistan, affecting most vulnerable More than 30,000 Pakistani that he will convey the people’s concerns to authorities in the families displaced to the Afghan capital, Kabul southeastern part of the Tied into this and many other country will face challenges humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan, the UN agency in the winter months responsible for coordinating ahead, joining millions humanitarian work has appealed of Afghans affected by for more than US$ 400 million to meet the life-saving needs of extreme weather. nearly four million vulnerable inter in land-locked Afghans in 2015. Afghanistan brings Speaking at an event organized to Wblizzards, lashing winds launch the appeal, Mr. Bowden called and freezing rain. Snow blocks on the donors to stay the course and highways and cuts off millions maintain their level of response and of people from basic services. funding to address Afghanistan’s As the cold season sets in, humanitarian challenges. “Do not Afghans around the country are allow Afghanistan to become one of supported each year by several A street in Kabul covered with snow during last year’s winter. As the cold season sets in, the world’s forgotten emergencies,” aid organizations that distribute Afghans are supported each year by several aid organizations (Photo by Fardin Waezi) he added. winter assistance kits, called “cold winter and the resulting hardships Mr. Bowden was accompanied Recent reports from the UN packages,” to vulnerable families. facing the people, President Ashraf by the head of the office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Millions of Afghans in the Ghani asked the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Humanitarian Affairs indicate central, northern, eastern and in October to share the world (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, Bo that conflict and natural disasters southern provinces of the country body’s plans to support the most Schack. The UN delegation met have left many Afghans living are affected by the extreme weather vulnerable Afghans in the winter. with community leaders in the without proper shelter. These each year. New additions to the In a show of support, the Gulan camp for the conflict- include families who lost their list this year are more than 30,000 UN’s top humanitarian official displaced in Khost and discussed homes during spring floods in Pakistani families displaced to the in Afghanistan, and the deputy their needs, including fuel, power the north, refugee families from southeastern Afghan provinces of chief of UNAMA, Mark Bowden, and shelter, for the coming winter. North Waziristan who have fled Khost and Paktika due to large- visited Khost later in October “We will look, within our their homes to Khost and the scale military operations on the to underscore the world body’s means, at how we can support neighbouring province of Paktika, other side of the border. commitment to the vulnerable your needs,” said Mr. Bowden and families displaced internally Concerned about the looming Afghans as winter was approaching. during the Khost visit, adding in the last year due to conflict. Information law hailed as press freedom milestone Designed to clarify certain lieve it can change anything,” said Farahnaz Forotan, an Afghan tele- rights identified in the vision reporter, emphasizing that, Afghan Constitution, the in addition to implementing the country’s new Access to law, the Government should provide protection to journalists. Information law was ratified Similarly, Mr. Poia said he be- by President Ghani. lieves corrupt officials could im- protracted struggle for me- pede the implementation of the dia freedoms has culminated law, and appealed to the leaders Ain Afghanistan’s President of the Government of National ratifying the Access to Information Unity to help give it strength. law, which some have hailed as a In addition to expressing con- new era of press freedoms. cerns over the legislation’s imple- Media advocates say they hope mentation, media advocates have the law will play a role in helping stressed the need for necessary to fight corruption and increase amendments to the law so it transparency and accountability in can achieve its objectices. Sayed public and private sectors, as it is es- Studio technicians work to produce a television broadcast in the Radio Television Afghani- Ikram Afzali, the Chief Execu- pecially designed to help journalists stan (RTA) studios in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo by Fardin Waezi) tive Officer of Integrity Watch prepare investigative reports. proved by the Lower House of Abdullah Abdullah, during their Afghanistan, said that at least 10 “The Access to Information law is the Afghan Parliament on 30 June electoral campaigns, committed to articles of the law are “problem- a big step toward effective informa- and ratified by President Ashraf seriously fighting corruption,” said atic,” and pointed out that, in its tion accumulation, dissemination Ghani on 30 November. Mr. Poia. “Implementing the Ac- current form, the law will create and circulation in Afghanistan,” said Mr. Tawhidi said that, prior to cess to Information law is a major limitations for the media and Siddiqullah Tawhidi, the director of the legislation’s ratification, jour- step toward fighting corruption, research bodies, and ultimately Nai, an organization that supports nalists faced difficulties in pre- and now is the time for both lead- harm freedom of speech. open media in Afghanistan. paring their investigative reports, ers to issue strict directives for gov- One article of the law, for exam- “The law will help journalists, as the required documents from ernment authorities concerning ple, states that if national interest and even the general public, ob- government institutions were in- the implementation of the law.” is threatened, the information will tain required information from accessible. Sharing similar views, However, despite the excite- not be given to anybody. Mr. Afzali government institutions and pri- Hamid Poia, the head of Media ment corresponding to the rati- said the legislation’s definition of vate firms regarding their pro- Bazaar, an Afghan media watch- fication of the law, some have “national interest” is unclear and grammes, projects and activities,” dog, said that the ratification of expressed concerns regarding its could lead to long delays in access- said Nai’s director. the law is promising, and will help implementation. “If the law is not ing vital information for journal- Designed to clarify certain fight corruption. presented strongly in Afghan so- ists working on tight deadlines. rights identified in the Afghan “Both President Ashraf Ghani ciety, and if the Government does Members of the Afghan parlia- Constitution, the law was ap- and Chief Executive Officer not strongly support it, I don’t be- ment are opposing amendments. Volume 4, Issue 3 | Winter 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 8 UN urges reform to ensure country’s security Afghanistan faces a Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Af- number of critical issues, ghanistan (UNAMA), Nicholas including security and Haysom, told the 15-member Council, during the 18 Decem- political challenges, in ber meeting on the situation in 2015, UNAMA’s head tells the country. “President Ghani himself has Security Council. made this clear and has extended s Afghanistan builds upon an invitation to those who oppose recent political develop- the Government to enter into Aments, including the for- an inter-Afghan dialogue to re- mation of a unity government, solve the conflict,” he went on to the country’s authorities and the say. “This commitment to direct international community must dialogue between the Govern- not ignore the immense chal- ment and the armed opposition lenges ahead, the top United Na- through an Afghan-led peace pro- tions official for the country told cess is to be welcomed.” the Security Council in New York In September, presidential can- in December. didates Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdul- “While the electoral process lah signed an agreement establish- Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and was prolonged and challenging a National Unity Government, head of UNAMA, addresses the Security Council. (Photo by Mark Garten) ing, the result is a leadership resolving months of political un- said Mr. Haysom, who urged Af- anti-Government forces. that is legitimate, freshly man- certainty and bringing an end to ghanistan’s political leadership to Speaking at a later news con- dated and broadly supported; fears that the country was on the conclude its process for the ap- ference while in New York, the President [Ashraf] Ghani and cusp of renewed internal strife. pointment and approval of other UNAMA chief noted that the Chief Executive Officer [Abdul- “The agreement between the senior government officials. number of civilians killed or in- lah] Abdullah are to be com- two candidates ended a political “A politically representative yet jured in the Afghan conflict is one mended for their ongoing com- crisis that, if unresolved, would merit-based cabinet can strength- of the measurements of the over- mitment to make the national have, at best, left the country di- en the population’s confidence all security situation. unity arrangements work,” the vided and, at worst, could have that government intends to de- “Civilian casualties are a par- Secretary-General’s Special reignited past cycles of conflict,” liver on its election promises,” he said. “It will demonstrate the workability of the National Unity “Their sense of common Government arrangements and purpose—and clear signal that the new Government is ready to govern.” commitments to reform, While the Government is combatting corruption, clearing its first political hurdle, continued the UNAMA envoy, a sustainable economic broad range of critical issues still need to be addressed, including growth—has given rise reforms focusing on public ac- to renewed hope and countability and transparency as well as women’s rights, an end to a palpable sense of ongoing budgetary difficulties expectation amongst the and full-fledged efforts to combat corruption. Afghan people.” “Their sense of common purpose—and clear commitments to —Nicholas Haysom reform, combatting corruption, sustainable economic growth— ticularly tragic and very promi- has given rise to renewed hope nent part, even benchmark, of the and a palpable sense of expecta- horror of the violence that ordi- tion amongst the Afghan people,” nary Afghans face,” he said. he said. At the Security Council brief- Above all, Mr. Haysom noted, ing, Mr. Haysom noted that the Afghanistan will struggle to build recent surge in security incidents upon the devastation of the past is cause for concern. “It is too ear- if its issues of insecurity remain ly to assess whether this surge is unresolved. As of 30 November, timed to coincide with the with- UNAMA recorded more civilian drawal of international military deaths and injuries in Afghanistan forces, or is the new normal,” than any other year since 2009, he stated, noting that UNAMA when UNAMA began compre- stands ready to support Afghan- hensively tracking those statistics, led and owned reconciliation and with civilian casualties increasing political processes, and will en- 19 per cent overall from last year gage all parties in support of this, and some three quarters of the ca- in full consultation with the Gov- sualties attributed to insurgents. ernment. These casualties, said the spe- “Stability and prosperity can cial envoy, resulted mostly from simply not be achieved in the ab- ground engagements between sence of a durable peace,” he said. parties to the conflict, improvised “Ultimately, the solution to the explosive devices, and suicide and conflict in Afghanistan is political complex attacks carried out by rather than military.”

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