Canada
Canada encourages the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Afghan G...
Canada encourages the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Afghan Government to press forward with the strengthening of the electoral process. We note with concern that the likelihood of irregularities and fraud remains high and must be mitigated well in advance of elections. It is essential, in our view, that the democratic opposition be able to exercise its full rights, as prescribed by the Constitution and as affirmed by Afghans themselves. To that end, we encourage the Government to ensure that the process is transparent and inclusive. We welcome the upcoming debate within the Afghan Parliament to finalize the electoral and IEC structure laws, and we remain committed to working with the Government of Afghanistan's executive and legislative branches to ensure that the voices of all Afghan citizens, including women, will be heard and honoured.
However, elections alone do not make a vibrant, inclusive and democratic soci...
However, elections alone do not make a vibrant, inclusive and democratic society; the Government of Afghanistan must also deliver on its rule of law and human rights commitments. UNAMA's most recent report on the elimination of violence against women noted that there remained a disturbing under-reporting of incidents of violence against women, and a lack of serious investigation into credible allegations. More needs to be done to implement the important provisions of that law. More must be done to uphold the integrity of the relationship between Afghan women and their laws. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission is essential for the defence of these rights, among others, and the Government of Afghanistan must move forward with the appointment of commissioners. We caution and stress that those appointments should be merit-based, transparent and inclusive, lest the Government be seen to actively subvert the Afghan people and their emerging democracy.
Canada welcomes the progress made in recent months in the peace and reconcili...
Canada welcomes the progress made in recent months in the peace and reconciliation process. We reiterate our insistence that women's rights not be forsaken for the sake of stability, as well as our support for an Afghan-led and -owned process. More can and should be done to ensure that the opponents of peace do not derail the reconciliation process through acts of terrorism.