Do Not Sacrifice the Victims:
Justice, a Prerequisite for Lasting Peace

Proposals of Co-ordination Group on Transitional Justice in Afghanistan to participants at the London Conference

The Co-ordination Group on Transitional Justice in Afghanistan (CGTJ), comprising of 24 national and international civil society organizations working for human rights and defending the rights of war victims, believes that a lasting peace can only happen in Afghanistan if the prevailing culture of impunity is ended and respect for the rule of law is established. CGTJ calls on the government of Afghanistan and the International community to take action on the following issues:

To the Government of Afghanistan

1. Te Government of Afghanistan should ensure transparency in talks and negotiations with opposition groups, including armed groups, and refrain from any political deals that violate human rights.
2. The Government of Afghanistan should re-commit to implementing the Action Plan on Justice, Reconciliation and Peace and a special department for its implementation should be established in close co-operation with civil society.
3. The Government of Afghanistan should strengthen the justice system and end the culture of impunity.
4. The Government of Afghanistan should support the establishment of truth- and justice-seeking mechanisms
5. The Government of Afghanistan should enforce the vetting process so that human rights violators cannot be eligible to run for office.
6. The Government of Afghanistan should pay particular consideration to the needs of victims and should give attention to demands for redress and compensation.
7. The Government of Afghanistan should amend the Amnesty Law in conformity with international Human Rights standards.
8. The Government of Afghanistan should promote and protect human rights and take all the necessary measures to investigate and prosecute threats and attacks against human rights defenders.

To the International Community

1. The International Community should refrain from supporting non-transparent talks with insurgent armed groups. In addition the International Community should monitor the respect of human rights standards and Conventions ratified by Afghanistan during any negotiation process.
2. The international community should support the full implementation of the Action Plan on Justice, Reconciliation and Peace.
3. The United Nations should appoint a UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan.
4. The international community should acknowledge and address the relationship between impunity and persistent human rights violations.
5. The international community should strengthen and support existing mechanisms for humanitarian aid delivery, particularly to Afghans who have suffered losses as a result of the conflict and strengthen avenues for victims to get their rights.
6. The International Community should advocate for the respect of International human Rights Law, including International humanitarian Law, and the protection of civilians.

Based in Kabul, the Afghanistan Watch focuses on activities that promote justice, respect for human rights and a culture of accountability and transparency in the country. Recognizing the need for greater understanding of the perils and opportunities facing Afghanistan today, the organization aims to conduct in-depth research and publish reports and papers on issues relevant to its goals and values independently or in partnership with other national and international organizations.

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International Relations and Security Network(ISN) / Security Watch
14 December 2009

Middle East Institute Viewpoints: Afghanistan, 1979-2009: In the Grip of Conflict • www.mei.edu
By: Abdul Jalil Benish, director of Afghanistan Watch

Impunity in Afghanistan is like an unwritten law which benefits the wealthiest and most powerful criminals.Read More

Niamatullah Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of Afghanistan Watch writes on The Relevance of the ICC in the Context of Afghanistan in the ICC Monitor, the Journal of the Coalition of the International Criminal Court

The relevance of the ICC has been keenly felt in Afghanistan since 2001. During this period, human rights violations have continued unabated, a culture of impunity and lack of accountability has been further entrenched, and the Afghan state has displayed a chronic lack of commitment to hold accountable those responsible for heinous crimes and massive human rights abuses.
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