Afghanistan: Strategies for the Governance of Human Rights
Human Rights Issues:
High level of gender inequality:
153/189 (UNDP's Gender Inequality Index) based on high MMR (638/100,000 live births)
Democracy is threatened:
Disruption of elections by attacks on and closure of polling stations to deter voters
Attack on journalists and HR defenders
Violation of women's rights:
2018 OHCR reported 87% of women endure physical, sexual, emotional violence and rarely receive justice
Children are deprived of their basic rights:
UNICEF report that there are improvements to health and education (boys) BUT millions are still deprived rights for survival, health, protection, learn etc.
Global Strategies Used: Until Summer 2021
Work of the UN:
Work of UNICEF:
Work of UN Habitat:
To work with and support the government
To support the process of peace and reconciliation
To monitor and promote HR and protect civilians in armed conflict
To promote good governance and encourage regional co-operation
UNAMA - promoting rights to food, shelter, education, livelihood, health, justice and physical security
Promotes and protects the rights of women and children
Providing maternity services
Protecting children from early marriages, domestic abuse, child labour
Advice on nutrition to reduce malnutrition
Working to co-ordinate the Afghan government, local government, community councils, and funding from the Japanese government to upgrade neighbourhoods in the 33 provincial capitals and Kabul
Most CDC areas plans include upgrading of housing infrastructure, electricity, sanitation, schools and health care
CDC - community development council - locally elected, have to be 50% female
National Strategies Used: The Work of the Afghan Government
Work of an NGO: Afghanaid - sustainable rural development strategies
Co-ordinates project work with UN and Afghan government
Operates in most provinces with a focus on some of the poorest and most remote communities
Aim is for long term development based on resolving HR issues such as -
Food security
Women's rights
Economic livelihoods
Access to the basic services of infrastructure, water supply, sanitation and education
Democratic process: despite new laws supporting the Duties and Structures of the Independent Elections Commission, in practise there has been significant disruption to the democratic process
Women's access to justice: OCHR reports positive engagement with the government to comply with international standards, promote accountability and rule of law
Eg. Efforts to address violence, to recruit more female prosecutors and judges - limited progress in parliament - 27% seats held by women, 2% province (2019)
Other benefits -
Improved engagement of women in the projects
Employment opportunities
Security of land tenure for informal settlements
Improved roads and drainage
Greater provision of shops