Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been engulfed in violent armed conflict since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, and efforts to build sustainable peace while preventing the re-establishment of extremist rule depend on the inclusion of women.
Living in the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman, as the Thomas Reuters Foundation revealed in 2011, Afghani women have emerged as leaders in the peace process— advocating constantly for more inclusive government, and inspiring marginalized groups nationwide to demand a place in the political system. Despite the important role that Afghani women play in bringing about social change in Afghanistan, many barriers to their involvement still exist.
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for eliminating these barriers by encouraging UNAMA to support the Afghan government in fully implementing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP), and ensuring women’s full and equal participation in regularly held elections.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Afghanistan (December 2019)
In the forthcoming report on the implementation of the mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the level of detail and analysis provided on WPS should be improved upon, in line with the mission’s mandate (S/RES/2489 (2019)). The Council should inquire about the mission’s progress in providing technical expertise and supporting the establishment of clear procedures to engage Afghan women from diverse backgrounds in peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts, including as negotiators, developed in consultation with women members of the High Peace Council (CEDAW/C/AFG/CO/1-2). There should be follow-up on the extent to which powerbrokers leading the peace process are taking concrete action to ensure women’s meaningful participation and are also ensuring the planning, process, and outcome(s) reflect Afghan women’s expertise and priorities. It is crucial to note that the conflict has exacerbated the vulnerability to marginalization, poverty, discrimination and violence, especially among local and rural women. The Council should seek an update on UNAMA’s support to the government in providing basic services for female victims and survivors of air operations, ground engagements, and other complex attacks, which are at the highest levels recorded since 2009 (UNAMA). There should also be information on measures taken to ensure the security and protection of women officials and leaders, women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, and journalists (CEDAW/C/AFG/CO/1-2). Finally, senior officials should provide detailed updates regarding UNAMA’s support to, and progress on, implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) on Resolution 1325 (2000), including in the development of institutional and accountability structures, and finalization of the financial mechanism to ensure implementation (S/RES/2242 (2015)). The Council should recognize the gendered impact of small arms and light weapons (SALW), as well as encourage arms exporting countries and the government to identify and regulate the influx of SALW to and within the country. Additionally, the Council should continue to ensure that counterterrorism efforts do not undermine human rights or impede the ability of civil society organizations (CSOs), including women’s groups, to operate effectively.
Relevant Resources
