Statements & Messages

In the name of Almighty Allah Message of CSHRN on the Presidential Election in Afghanistan (Translation of the Dari original) 10. August 2009 Freedom is a God given right and a central value of human rights. Democracy means that this freedom is used to choose. Freedom of choice is the most significant part of human rights. In these days, the citizens of Afghanistan practice this important aspect of their rights: they elect their leader. The Civil Society and Human Rights Network (CSHRN) appreciates this historical day and wants to emphasize the following points: •  Elections give legitimacy to the state. Each kind of fraud with regard to elections negatively affects the state and nation building process in Afghanistan. Therefore, CSHRN requests the persons and institutions involved in the election process to avoid any kind of fraud when conducting the election and counting the votes. •  The tolerance demonstrated on the day of election for the rights of citizens and the respect for the culture of democracy will have a positive effect on the trust of people in elections. The people will accept and officially recognize that elections can bring political sustainability as well as social and economy stability. For that reason, CSHRN requests from all the candidates and their campaign teams to respect the choice of the people and to avoid any kind of activity which would cause harmful effects on the social environment. To oppose or to support is the right of each citizen! The citizens of Afghanistan have the right to demonstrate if they do not agree with the outcome of the elections, but such demonstrations should not have negative effects on the sustainability and social security in our society. •  CSHRN requests from all national and international election observers to make available the information they…

In the name of Almighty Allah Message of CSHRN regarding the Joint Policy between the National and the International Armed Forces on the Fight against Terrorism in Afghanistan Kabul, 21 February 2009 During the last two years, the Civil Society und Human Rights Network (CSHRN) has released statements concerning the coordination between military operations of international and national armed forces in Afghanistan. The main goal of these statements was to address necessary measures to reduce the number of victims and casualties among civilians. CSRHN has constantly asked for a better collaboration and information between the different forces. Recently the NATO commanders together with the leadership of the Afghan army have agreed upon a policy, which states that both parties collaborate and coordinate with each other their military operations against terrorism in Afghanistan. Both parties agreed that for conducting a successful operation, a dialogue with the local authorities and representatives of the population in the area of action is necessary. The reasons and the need for the operations have to be explained to the people of these districts. CSHRN welcomes and encourages such an agreement between the international and the national armed forces. CSRHN asks both parties to implement the agreement and to strengthen the communication with the Afghan people in order to inform them about the role, the duty and the tasks of both forces. CSHRN believes that to create a useful dialogue will help the Afghan people to understand the role of the international community, in particular the one of the NATO, in Afghanistan. The dialogue and the implementation of the agreement will also reduce the number of violations of international humanitarian law and strengthen the respect for the fundamental principles of human rights. Civil Society and Human Rights Network

In the name of Almighty Allah The statement of CSHRN about the adoption and signature of the “The Private Life of Shias” by the president (Translated from the Statement in Dari) 03 April 2009 Kabul, Afghanistan Recently, the parliament of Afghanistan, the Shura e Meli, adopted a new legislation on “The private (family) life of Shias”. This legislation was signed by Hamid Karzai, the president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. To draft, adopt and sign such a legislation, created a broad national and international reaction. The adoption of this law resulted in civil society, human rights activists, Afghan intellectuals and Afghan persons influential on the public opinion expressing major concerns regarding the implementation of this legislation. •  Adopting and signing this legislation is against the values of the Holy Islam as well as against the international principles of human rights. The values anchored there deeply respect the important role of women and mothers in society. •  Adopting and signing this document is to impair the weak body of the rule of law in Afghanistan, because the rule of law is based on social and public reality, the priority of human values, the common will, sustainable reforms and respect for the constitution. •  Adopting and signing this document is against the international commitments the Afghan state has assumed with regard to international human rights including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The adoption of this new law took place after the Afghan government had committed itself to the principles of human rights in the Universal Periodic Review report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council. •  Adopting this legislation is a blow against the role of the parliament in Afghanistan because the adoption…

In the name of Almighty Allah Recommendations of the Afghan civil society at the “The Hague Conference” 31st March, 2009 The Hague – Netherlands Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me to express our warm gratitute and thanks for the inclusion of the NGO community and civil society in Afghanistan. It is a great honor to be part of this important conference and we expect that the presence of civil society remains an ongoing mechanism in the future. As a result of a broad range of consultations among civil society and the NGO community, we have come up with the following recommendations for the International Conference on Afghanistan in The Hague about strategies for solidifying the peace process, which are grounded on the fundamental principles and values: 1. The concept of “Afghans in the lead” must shift from a mere rhetoric to a genuine principle guiding the strategic discussions on Afghanistan's future. A broad range of Afghan actors, including civil society, must be part of these discussions. 2. While Afghans support a broad based and inclusive dialog and reconciliation efforts, these processes must be grounded in a non-negotiable position of respect and must be according to the Afghan Constitution and the fundamental values enshrined in it, including respect for human rights, women's rights, the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance. Democratic principles, for which Afghans have sacrificed their lives and which they championed for the last century, cannot be negotiated away by the Afghan government and the international community under the guise of peace and security. Key Recommendations In the field of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) The Afghan Government and the international community must prioritize and take all necessary measures to minimize civilian casualties and to institutionalize mechanisms of accountability, transparency and systems of reparations…

In the name of Almighty Allah CSHRN viewpoint regarding Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan For Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Of Human Rights status in Afghanistan to the United Nations Islam is a holly religion. But Islamic extremists introduce human rights against the religion and misuse the beliefs of the people, for their own goals. Unfortunately, the lack of constructive dialogue between religious leaders and human rights activists, has led to such misunderstandings. Conclusion: The Civil Society should acquire more & more supports from the international community, to play an important role in various social fields, as promoting and generalizing Human Rights in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, Afghan government does not consider the role of the Civil Society as significant as it should be, and it is believed that the Civil Society will remain as an informal and abstracted element. This role needs to be activated. The support of the international community and government's respect toward the Civil Society can play an important role in activating the role of the Civil Society. Afghanistan needs a government committed to Human Rights values, those, who are not observing the human rights values, should not be appointed in key positions of the government. Unfortunately, we should confess that the presence of the figures who are not respecting the Human rights values, in the leadership of the government will seriously affect the Human Rights in the country. Establishing a constructive and useful dialogue between the government and the civil society can play an important role in popularizing and promoting the Human rights. The Civil Society can serve like a bridge between the citizens and the government and exchange their demands. The Civil Society of Afghanistan, expect the international community to continue its wide support for the human rights values in Afghanistan. The Civil Society of…

In the name of Almighty Allah Ms. Wazhma Frogh acquired the best award of USA and ranked among the eight brave women of the world Ms. Wazhma the cooperator of the Civil Society and Human Rights Network of Afghanistan, and one of the a defenders of women's rights in Afghanistan, was granted the best prize of the United States of America as a courageous woman. The award which was given to top eight brave women of the world was aimed encouraging and persuading human rights defender women. The ceremony which was conducted for the occasion, on the thirteenth of March, in Washington DC, capital of the United States of America, Mrs. Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States of America, talked about the importance of the awards, called it one of the best examples of commitments and appreciation of America's government toward the human rights values. Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States of America also participated in this event. She spoke on the role of the United States , particularly the role of the new government of Barack Obama, in respect to women's rights. Ms. Wazhma Frogh and the other seven brave women of the world have gained much honors in this event. She also met with prominent political and social figures and told them about the difficulties of women in Afghanistan . Ms. Frogh, is the director of an organization by the name of (Global Rights) in Afghanistan , which functions in the field of promoting and generalizing the law in the country, the mentioned organization is a good partner of CSHRN since its foundation and has launched joint programs. Nowadays CSHRN and Global Rights have set up a teacher training program on Human rights for protecting the rights. The Civil…

In the name of Almighty Allah Mr. Mohammad Naim Nazari has been elected as the coordinator of CSHRN Mr. Mohammad Naim Nazari has been elected & introduced to this position on 02/07/2008, after consulting with the members of the board of directors of the Civil Society & Human Rights Network (CSHRN) of Afghanistan , by the board of directors of CSHRN. Before this, Mr. Azaryon Mateen was responsible for coordinating the programs of the Civil Society & Human Rights Network of Afghanistan. Mr. Azaryon Mateen has got other responsibility as a program manager with the (International Center of Transitional Justice in Afghanistan). The International Center of Transitional Justice, has been implementing its programs in Afghanistan since 2002, and continues its activities with close cooperation with the Civil Society & Human Rights Network of Afghanistan. Mr. Mohammad Naim Nazari has work experience of 15 years in the field of Human Rights & Civil Society. Mr. M Naim Nazari has worked on many positions such as, the managing editor of (Taawon) magazine, publication & information manager of CSHRN and the chief editor of (Angaara) magazine. Mr. M Naim Nazari has got great relationship and well fame among the Civil Institutions & media. The site of CSHRN, hopes its co-workers, Mr. Azaryon Mateen and M. Naim Nazari more and more success in their careers.

In the name of Almighty Allah Mr. Barry Salaam has been appointed as spokesman of CSHRN The board of directors of the Civil Society & Human Rights Network of Afghanistan (CSHRN) has elected Mr. Barry Salaam the president of (Good morning Afghanistan radio) and manager of (Ăwanama publication), as the speaker of the board of directors of the Civil Society & Human Rights Network of Afghanistan. Mr. Barry Salaam, who has the membership of the board of directors of CSHRN, is one of the leading and prominent personalities in the field of the media in Afghanistan. Mr. Barry Salaam, is responsible for contacting the national& international organizations and the local & international media via the name of the board of directors of CSHRN, means the position of the Civil Society & Human Rights Network (CSHRN) regarding the important issues in the country. The site of CSHRN congratulates this significant position to Mr. Barry Salaam and hopes him more success in this respect.