STRENGTHENING COORDINATION, SURVIVOR-CENTRED ACCOUNTABILITY AND PREVENTION IN LIGHT OF THE IIM-A’S OPERATIONALIZATION

Executive Summary

The side event examined how to operationalize the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan and how to strengthen coordination, survivor-centred accountability and prevention during the 62nd United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Speakers emphasized that the establishment of the mechanism is an important institutional step, but that its effectiveness will depend on timely operationalization, adequate resources, strong leadership, coordination with existing accountability actors, and meaningful participation by Afghan civil society and survivors.

A central theme was that survivors—particularly Afghan women and girls—should not be treated only as sources of evidence. Speakers stressed their role as rights holders, documenters, advocates and participants in shaping accountability priorities and strategies. The discussion also highlighted the importance of Afghan ownership, especially through women-led and locally rooted organizations.

The event further underlined the need to connect documentation with concrete accountability pathways. The mechanism was discussed as part of a wider ecosystem that includes the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, UN entities, national courts exercising universal jurisdiction, and civil society organizations.

Finally, speakers linked accountability with prevention and longer-term justice. They argued that violations should be examined in their broader structural context, that evidence should be preserved for future judicial and transitional justice processes, and that sustained political, financial and technical support from states will be necessary.