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 2018)
In its discussion of the report on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the Council should ensure that gender is a cross-cutting issue across any consultations, briefings and potential action. It is imperative that a gender analysis includes substantial information on the impact of conflict-related violence against women and girls, as well as details regarding the multiple and diverse roles women have in peace and security processes. Women’s rights and women’s meaningful participation must be non-negotiable and included at every level of the peace dialogue as well as on the agenda of any future peace and reconciliation process, including formal negotiations. Afghanistan’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Resolution 1325 (2000) is far from fully implemented, including particularly those provisions related to women’s participation, which is often symbolic rather than substantive. The Council should inquire as to progress in implementing the NAP and further request information regarding specific and sufficient allocation of budgets and corresponding financing mechanisms. Finally, the Council should closely monitor any amendments to the Constitution, ensure that the sequencing of peace-making activities are reinforced with and complementary to confidence-building measures undertaken by the Taliban, and lastly facilitate greater engagement between the High Peace Council and diverse sectors of Afghan society to ensure all narratives are represented and supported through consultations.
Relevant Resources
