Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Afghanistan’s Human Rights Remain High on Agenda

Afghanistan’s Human Rights Remain High on Agenda

By Our Correspondent Muhammad Younas

LONDON – British Foreign Secretary William Hague released the 2011 Human Rights and Democracy report. The report drew a gloomy drawing of Afghanistan's human rights records for the year 2011, which termed Afghanistan's human rights issues to be high on the agenda, and suggested Afghan government to work hard for the implementation of its human rights obligations.

International Committee of the Red Cross report on civilian casualties and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report on the implementation of the elimination of violence against women law, all of which raise concerns about human rights in Afghanistan. Women's issues continue to remain a concern, particularly Afghan women's participation in the political process.

Regarding freedom of expression and assembly, the report highlights that journalists still face intimidation and uncertainty, and often revert to self-censorship. During 2011, there were mixed developments affecting freedom of expression and media freedom.

Referring to the access to justice, UK Human Rights stressed the Afghan government to improve access to justice and strengthen justice institutions.
About the rule of law, the report agrees with the Human Rights Watch report recommendation that the Afghan Local Police (ALP) should be "well trained, properly vetted security forces that operate within the rule of law and are held accountable for their actions" and further added that the British government will continue to urge the Afghan government to investigate fully allegations of human rights violations.

Regarding the prisons and detention issues, the report said that on 10 October, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan published a report containing allegations of widespread torture and mistreatment of those detained by Afghan security forces.

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) found evidence that 46% of detainees interviewed who had been in National Directorate of Security (NDS) detention had experienced torture; 35% of Afghan National Police (ANP) detainees interviewed had been mistreated. These allegations are very serious. Torture and mistreatment are illegal under the Afghan penal code and absolutely prohibited under international human rights law.

Due to concerns about torture and mistreatment, UK forces did not transfer individuals detained during military operations to the 16 facilities where UNAMA found evidence of torture and ill-treatment by National Directorate of Security (NDS) and ANP officials.

Referring to the conflict and protection of civilians, the UNAMA report on civilian casualties in Afghanistan, published in July, stated that there had been 1,462 non-combatant deaths in Afghanistan in the first six months of 2011, with insurgents responsible for 80% of the killings. This is an increase against the figure of 1,271 non-combatant deaths during the same period in 2010.

The reported noted that the freedom of religion or belief has been no change in the situation outlined in 2010; however, British Embassy in Kabul continues to work with international partners, including the EU, to monitor the situation of Afghan Christians and to raise issues of concern with the Afghan government.

Despite Afghanistan's national and international commitments to promoting and protecting women's rights, implementation is weak. Afghan women continue to face significant challenges. In addition, the high illiteracy rates amongst Afghan women make it difficult to raise awareness of women's rights.

About minority rights, the report said that the article 22 of the Afghan constitution makes clear provision for the equal rights of all Afghan citizens. There have been further reports of violent tensions between Hazaras and Kuchis during the annual Kuchi migration through the Hazarajat, and we continue to encourage all parties to engage in dialogue to find a solution to this dispute. We regularly remind the Afghan government of the need to ensure the security of all Afghan citizens.

Referring to the children's rights, the report highlighted the continuing risks to Afghan children including their recruitment and use by anti-government forces, the killing and maiming of children, and attacks on schools. The UK government recognises that there remains much work to be done to combat child sexual abuse in Afghanistan and the protection of child rights in general.