UNHCR Field Office Ghazni DISTRICT PROFILE

DATE: 24/02/03

PROVINCE: Ghazni Geo-code 06 DISTRICT: Malistan Goe-code 606 Population 1990: 56,117 individuals CURRENT ESTIMATED POPULATION Total Returned IDPs Recent Returnees IDPs Children under Female Households 2002/2003 12 (assisted) 100,000 81 families 710 families/ 45fam/270 ind. 46,000 907 (0.9%) according to individuals (not assisted) 1,018 individuals (source: Villages’ Representatives MORR Ghazni) ETHNIC COMPOSITION: 100% Hazara EXPECTED RETURNS IDPS 265 families RETURNEES 1,280 families AUTHORITY Head Of District: Self-appointed authorities rule the district: - Military Commander: Commander Abdul Hakim Nassiri - Head of district: Haji Mahdawi Ghi Khan Other Information: Since the fall of the Taliban’s regime, Malistan district has been led by a People’s Shura and a Security Shura, backing self-appointed authorities. The district is under political and military control of Nasr faction, affiliated to Hezb-e-Wahdat (Khalili). The self- appointed authorities having strongly resisted the appointment of the official District Administrator in September 2002, arguing that the new appointee, Pashtun from neighbouring Ajristan, where he was previously acting as Head of the district, belonged to Hezb-e-Islami and had killed many Hazara under Taliban regime.

It was explained to FO that male inhabitants, convoked by village’s elders and Mullahs had selected representatives of main villages. The People’s Shura [Mardoumi Shura] is composed of 30 members, 6 of whom are also members of Security Shura [Fawj Shura]. Qazi Haji Mahdawi Ghi Khan chairs the People’s Shura.

The People’s Shura works in close co-operation with Security Shura, which is composed of 6 commanders. Its head is Commander Abdul Hakim Nassiri, Nasr faction. Under his supervision are 150 men (Nizami, militians).

The People’s Shura, who counts 4 judges (Qazi) among its members, is theoretically solving legal cases and disputes, taking decision at the majority of the members present, and using Sharia (Fiq – Jafari jurisprudence) if the nature of the case is too difficult. Should the concerned wishes to appeal the decisions, the case can be transferred to Ghazni’s provincial court (Mahkama Mura’fi’a). However, local population is reluctant to bring any case to the knowledge of the authorities, fearing they might take advantage of a dispute to extort money or other valuables from them.

The local population report that collectively, the self-appointed authorities and the armed elements are responsible for preventing the rule of law, protecting their own interests, and harassing people under the pretext of disarmament or presumed support to previous Governments. It appears that their misconduct is more dicted by an appetite for power and money than based on political motives. However, FO collected reports that ex-members of Nasr faction, or of perceived rival organisations - Harakat (Muhseni), Hezb-e-Wahdat (Aqbari) – are intimidated, harassed and submitted to severe abuses.

According to self-appointed authorities, the district is represented in Ghazni’s provincial Shura by three persons, namely Mohaqiq, Halaqi and Rahmat Poohan. These individuals, who have represented the district since Mujahidin’s regime, have not been selected by Malistan’s people. GENERAL SITUATION

Malistan, located 7 hours and a half’sdrive from Ghazni centre, is a mountainous district bordered by Ajristan to the north, Nawur to the North East, Uruzgan province to the Southwest and Jaghori district to the South. The district is one of the largest in terms of surface area and, under Mujahidin’s regime (1992-1996), was divided in four distinct regions.

An estimated population of 16,000 families is distributed among 9 dangs (regions): Amal, 3000 families; Khorda Zayada, 2000 families; Maknak, 2000 families; Dalla, 1000 families, Mir-a-Dina, 1500 families; Zardak, 1000 families; Pashia, 3000 families; Kamarak, 1500 families; Sheer Dagh, 1000 families. The main tribes in Malistan are: Khordak Zaida, Molqi, Ahamd and Mirid.

At the end of July 2002, the district planned to finalise the physical head counting of its population, as a preparation for the planned carving of Malistan district into four distinct districts. The local authorities expressed their belief that they can gain more support from central Government, as well as financial support from donors with this division into four regions. This decision would primarily have the effect of increasing the number of Hazara majority districts and, thus giving more Hazaras representatives at central and provincial institutions. However, the division has not been implemented yet, even though a Security Shura has been set up in Shine-De, which was said to become the capital of Malistan 1. To date, politically and administratively, Malistan remains one district.

One of Malistan’s selected Representatives to the Emergency Loya Jirga was a woman. There is no other example of woman having an influential position in the district.

Malistan is one of the three districts of Ghazni province, exclusively populated and ruled by Hazara ethnics. It is also one of those where self-appointed authorities – warlords belonging to Nasr faction- resist the rule of central and provincial administrations. In September 2002, an attempt from central and provincial authorities to bring the district under the rule of law – through the appointment of a formal District Administrator failed, with the new appointee being threatened of death on his way to the district’s capital. Self-appointed authorities opened fire on the crowd that had gathered around the building of the District Administrator to welcome him, and imprison persons on fabricated charges, notably participation with Talibans. People were released after a couple of days. Through field missions in the district, UNHCR FO Ghazni perceived the exasperation and resentment of the population, which openly stated they prayed for a change of authorities and would welcome any official appointee, a different ethnic origin being viewed as a guarantee that the current abuses of the warlords would come to an end.

The strongman of the district, even though not physically present is Commander Irfani, warlord native of neighbouring Jaghori district, from where he has overall military control over Malistan. Irfani is a leading local figure of Hezb-e-Wahdat (Khalili) and has been leading the movement in Malistan and Jaghori for almost two decades. Abuses committed by his followers and people closely associated to the self-appointed authorities in Malistan, have led to small scale displacement to Ghazni, mostly during summer 2002, and concerned primarily men perceived as opponents. UNHCR FO Ghazni collected through various sources reports (last mission in September 2002) of widespread abuses, notably concentrated around Maknak, Pashai, Balakh San, Dadi and Bella Ghu areas. Incidents reported were under the pretext of disarmament, or perceived opposition, extortion of significant amounts of money (up to three million old Afghani), arrest of people who could not pay, and release upon payment of the requested amounts. Moreover, reports of kidnapping and forced marriages of women were reported to take place, especially in Dadi and Bella Ghu areas. Interviews conducted by UNHCR FO Ghazni reveal that anyone perceived as being a little better off than the rest of the population is a potential target for extortion and abuses.

Authorities at provincial and central levels have been informed by the victims of these exactions, and promised solutions to put an end to these abuses. However, no improvement has yet been observed in the district, given the fact that the remedy to these problems lies probably at the central level. It is UNHCR FO Ghazni’s understanding that the three Hazara districts of Ghazni province - Malistan, Nawur and Jaghori – which shares similar political and military backgrounds, have been requested by Central Administration to select among themselves, leaders which would receive the approval of the population. The process is on going, and should be confirmed by the approval of the provincial Governor.

On the economic side, even though Malistan seems to be less affected than its neighbour –Jaghori- by the four-year drought, its population, of which 60% depends on agriculture and (10%) animal husbandry is suffering from the effects of lack of irrigation and drinking water. The district is affected by the drought to different degrees of severity: 1. Dry areas: Qoshang, Godal, Shir Dagh, Pashi, Maknak, Balkhsan, Boghra, Al Qabalan. 2. Semi-dry areas: Moqli, Abdana, Qoul Adan, Pol Hadi, Qoali Khoshi, Newdeh. 3. Not affected areas: Lalchak, Jemboud, Robat, Pashsha Khana, Belougho, Dahlah.

The lumber industry (shinar quality) is also affected by the drought, and villagers are selling their wood at very low prices, anticipating a continuation of the drought, and further destruction of their crop. Many families live on the remittances sent by family members living abroad.

Overall, the district has a serious lack of medical and health facilities, worsened by its remote location from other neighbouring districts and provincial capital.

Priority sectors as defined by local representatives and villagers are: 1. Water (irrigation & drinking) 2. Education 3. Health

SECTORAL INFORMATION SHELTER: Percentage and the number of houses destroyed: 528 (3.3%) Housing Situation of Returning Population : Host families and own homes partially damaged. Comments: Mud-built homes. Stone, wooden beams, mud bricks, and glass are available in Malistan. Cement has to be purchased in Jaghori or Ghazni city.

Some of the houses have been partially damaged and are in disrepair.

WATER: Type of Potable Water Sources and Karezes, springs, rivers (Qocha Nak and Dota), the Distance: shallow wells. However, these sources are seriously affected by the lack of snow and rain for the last four years.

Average distance to water: 2 to 3 km

Availability of Potable water (%): 48.8%

Sanitation and Drainage: Traditional systems and complete absence of evacuation system. Comments: Poor sanitation conditions. On a general note, houses have no baths and toilets have no drainage system.

DACAAR currently implementing a UNHCR water-supply project which includes digging of 120 wells, and construction of 240 baths and 240 latrines.

In the following areas, the villagers travel up these stated distance (one way) to fetch water: Qoul Adam (26 villages – 2,500 fam): two km; Godal (12 villages – 610 fam): 3 km; Shir Dagh (10 villages- 1,200 fam): 3 km; Pashi (11 villages- 3,500 fam): 3 km

AGRICULTURE: Main crops: Wheat, vegetables, potatoes, apples.

Current Land Condition: 20% of arable land is in use

Existing Irrigation schemes: Rivers, streams and karezes

Agri/tool Banks: Mostly traditional. Few tractors available, rented for the harvest season. Use of donkeys or cows, less available due to the drought. Animal Husbandry Sheep, goats and cows. Sector affected by the drought.

Comments: Agriculture sustains up to 60% of the active population. However, this sector is seriously affected by the drought, and farmers struggle to access enough water to irrigate their lands. Water is notably carried on donkey backs, and water table is gradually dropping (around 30 meters). Because of the drought, the harvest will not be good this year. INCOME Main sources of Animal husbandry, manual % of No income in 5.3% GENERATION: Income: labor, construction and the district petty trade. Remittances from family members abroad also represent an important source of income. SECTORAL INFORMATION Comments: The majority of the population in Malistan depends on agriculture, a sector severely affected by the drought. An important trend is the fact that many heads of family send their young male children to neighbouring countries to secure a regular source of income. Local population is eager to have vocational training and IGA, notably in carpentry. They also mention resuming the exploitation of coal mines in Qoal Hajil, Pamgr Nash, Ghash Bahder.

IGA could be implemented in following fields: 1. Repair of road between Malistan/Nawur/Ghazni; 2. Repair Malistan/ Dola/ Ghazni 3. Repair dam located in Qoe-shnak (could serve 4,000 families) 4. Kareze cleaning (Subze darq , could serve 17 villages)

HEALTH: Health Centre: Types Currently functioning Before 1998 No. of Clinic: 3 4 No. of Mobile Clinic: No. of Hospital: Nurses and Mid-wives 4 3 Comments: There is a severe lack of medical facilities in Malistan district. The two clinics are ran by SCA (Mar-a-Dina and Khak Rezap). There is also one TB centre run by SCA in Borgha (20 beds).

Malistan clinics only employ 1 doctor and one pharmacist. Patients have to go to Jaghuri, Shuhada hospital or Ghazni in order to receive appropriate treatment. The estimate cost of the journey to Jaghori is 500,000 Afs. The district being extremely large, patients might have to travel up to 8 hours to reach Jaghori on dirt roads.

Villagers have expressed the need to have clinics at the following locations: Debah Mazar; Nawa Pashi; would serve 3,250 families Dahani Bom Moqli

The needs are all the more pressing that Malistan is extremely isolated, and some of the locations are inaccessible during winter season.

EDUCATION: Education Types Currently functioning Before 1998 Centre: No. of high School: 3 2 No. of Primary School: 16 6 No. of Secondary School: 6 Teacher: Female: 30 Pupils: Girls: 2,720 Male: 150 Boys: 4,696 Literacy Rate %: 20% for men and 2% for women.

Comments: Disadvantaged by being located far from the provincial capital. There is lack of educational facilities. Majority of the classes are outdoors, and only 50% of the 1-6 grade students have received stationary. 10% of the same group have received textbooks.

The school buildings are in disrepair: no doors, no windows, no furniture, and no floors. UNICEF has provided 20 tents to the district.

There are no regular home-based schools. The majority of them have been dismantled after the fall of Taliban regime. Some are re-opened during summer and winter holidays. Due to the lack of trained teachers, and of school buildings, three shifts are organised during the day.

The inhabitants have expressed their wish to open school in following areas: Subze Dara: would cover 12 villages (PS) Mar-a-Dina: need a girls SC (have to go 5/6 km to find the closest one) Qoul Adam: no PS for 26 villages (boys & girls) Dala: the 2 PS need repairs (boys & girls) Khordak Zida: SC’s building needs repairs (boys & girls) Kamrak: need a PS for girls

SECTORAL INFORMATION MINE/UXOs: Existence of mines & UXOs: Not reported in Malistan district. Identified priority villages to clear:

Comments: None of the authorities, village representatives and Implementing Partners questioned mentioned the presence of mines in the district.

PROTECTION Population Movement: Part of the population of Malistan fled to neighbouring countries, mostly to Iran, during the Jihad and under the Taliban regime. Others, and significantly young males, departed to Iran and Arab states to make some money they could send to support their family left in Afghanistan. Some of these young males have returned to Afghanistan since the change of political regime. However, some of them returned to Malistan to assess the economical and social prospects, and later return to Iran, given the lack of job opportunities, and the effects of drought in the district. This is an important and confirmed trend in Malistan.

Others who had not found refuge outside, are now leaving the district, for similar reasons, heading to neighbouring countries, as well as to Ghazni city and Kabul. In short, population movements are important to and from Malistan.

There is no restriction on movement within Malistan district. As per their culture and customs, Hazara women move freely from their houses and villages to the fields, where they work with their male relatives. During the harvest season, women move unescorted, and not necessarily in-groups.

A group of 51 families from Malistan came to Ghazni city in spring and summer 2002, fleeing the abuses committed by elements of the ruling faction. Minority Issue: Malistan is a 100% Hazara populated district, which is not immediately confronted to minority issues. However, Malistan was until last year, one of the summer residences for Kuchi settlements, coming from Kandahar and Helmand.

Serious incidents were reported under the Talibans between the local population and the Pashtoun nomads, and disputes broke out over access to water, pasture of animals, destruction of fields, and occupation of houses. Since the fall of Taliban regime, the Kuchi – deprived of their political/ethnical backers - have not returned to Malistan, where locals would not accept similar past behaviours. Local authorities say they would be ready to accept Kuchis on their lands, but add that Kuchi themselves could not take the decision to enter Malistan.

Malistan is bordered by two partially Pashtoun-populated provinces (Zabul and Uruzgan), and no incidents has been reported on the border zones.

As reported in the ‘general situation section’, UNHCR FO Ghazni collected reports that anyone suspected of being opposed to the rule of the self-appointed authorities could be a potential target for extortion and violation of their basic human rights. Particularly concerned would be rival organisations, such as Harakat (Muhseni) and Hezb-e-Wahdat (Aqbari). SECTORAL INFORMATION Land Ownership: In theory, according to People’s Shura, which deals with land ownership and house occupation -related cases, there is currently no pending case involving returnees. Occupants of vacant houses and properties are said to give back the properties upon arrival of the returnees in their village.

As per the Shura’s procedures, a case of forced and unlawful land/house occupation could be brought to the attention of the People’s Shura, which will send some of its members to investigate the case, and collect evidences on effective ownership and presumed violation. Prior to judgement, parties are requested to put in writing their willingness to have the case adjudicated by the Shura.

Nevertheless, parties have the right to appeal the decision made by the Shura, and forward it to the Provincial Court (Mahkama Mura’fia, Ghazni city).

Land occupation has been reported in Pashai area of the district, under supervision of a commander from Nasr faction. It is worth reiterating that due to the absence of rule of law, local population is reluctant to bring the disputes to the knowledge of the self-appointed district authorities, fearing they would take advantage of it and extort money from one or two sides of the dispute.

House Occupation: Same comments and procedures as mentioned above.

Others: The People’s Shura has been seized late June 2002, by the family of a woman who had been killed by her husband. The perpetrator has been arrested and is now in detention in Malistan’s Security Command Post. According to the Head of People’s Shura, the council is awaiting recommendations from the victim’s family, to apply death penalty to the detainee. The couple had three young sons.

According to members of the People’s Shura, women are free to seek the advice and judgement of this institution. Educated women willing to represent themselves before the Shura would be authorised to do so. However, this has never occurred in Malistan’s history, and it is the wish of the members of People’s Shura not to be confronted with such a scenario. NGOs Working in the District

Currently working: Shuhada- health and education SCA- health and education Winter distribution (UNHCR): 60 families beneficiary

Programmes completed in 2002: DACAAR – Water and Sanitation (118 wells, 236 baths & 240 latrines completed in November 2002) WFP- Food for work (446 m3 of food): kareze cleaning, road rehabilitation CARE/RCDC/UNHCR :177 shelters

Other Comments (Accessibility etc)

Located to the West of Ghazni City. Access can be limited during winter because of poor road conditions and snowfall. Portion between Jaghori and Malistan difficult, and on a mountainous road.

From Ghazni city to Sange-Marsha (Jaghori): 4h30 From Sange-Marsha (Jaghori) to Badulum (frontier with Malistan): 1h30 From Badulum to Mir-a-Dina (capital of Malistan): 1h30 Signature of the responsible researcher: