Afghanistan (S/2014/163)
The Report of the Secretary General dated 7 March 2014 (S/2014/163) provides an update on activities of the UN in Afghanistan, including humanitarian, development and human rights efforts, since the previous report of 6 December 2013 (S/2013/721). The report also provides a summary of key political and security developments as well as regional and international events related to Afghanistan. The annex of the report contains an assessment of progress made towards benchmarks and indicators since the report of 5 March 2013 (S/2013/133) in line with SCR 1868 (2009). The report discusses preparations for next month’s elections; the limited progress towards the establishment of a formal peace process with armed opposition; and the volatile security situation that persists. Particularly, 2013 is the second highest year of violence since the fall of the Taliban and civilian deaths have increased compared to 2012. Finally of concern, Afghanistan has yet to sign the bilateral security agreement with the US.
Women, peace and security issues are mentioned across many critical areas in the report, relating to both women’s human rights protection and promotion concerns. Women’s political participation in the upcoming elections, as voters, candidates, electoral workers and observers is highlighted by the SG in his observations (45) and the report explicitly mentions the number of polling stations created for women and men after the government completed a security risk assessment of polling center throughout the country. The Election Commission continued to distribute voter cards, with 35% new voter cards issued to women (7). The report notes that women represent only 1% of the police forces, however in January the government launched a strategy to better integrate female personnel into police and included protection measures to prevent abuse (15). Related, preparations are also underway for training 13,000 female searchers to work in polling centers on Election Day (15).
The High Peace Council’s women’s committee launched a nationwide campaign “Afghan Women’s Call for Ceasefire and Peace”, the aim is to collect 300,000 signatures to demand an end to violence (11). In December UNAMA launched a report regarding the implementation of the EVAW law, the results note that 500 cases of violence against women have been reported in 18 provinces between October 2012 and September 2013. Additionally, the Afghan Government launched a report of its own on the law (25). Significantly, President Karzai endorsed the CPC, but amended language in article 26 that required testimony of relatives, which would have prevented the prosecution of many cases of violence against women (25). Additionally, female prisoners held on charges of morality crimes held a three-day strike in January, in reaction to the release of numerous male prisoners accused of serious crimes (27). In his observations, the SG advocates for the participation of women as voters, candidates and electoral workers and observers to improve representativeness of elections; for greater commitment to ensure the implementation of the EVAW law; commends the efforts of the Minister of Interior to increase the number and support of female police officers; and welcomed President Karzai’s endorsement of the CPC. Further, the report calls for support for the Human rights Commission, and expressed concern over appointment of new commissioners, staff gender ratios and dependency on donor funding (26). Finally, international representatives expressed the need to ensure gains made in human rights and women’s rights during a meeting of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board.
The report missed several opportunities to incorporate a gender perspective in protection concerns, in regards to the rights of female civilians; refugees; and internally displaced persons. In regards to women’s participation the report fails to discuss women’s inclusion in the UNAMA facilitated dialogue amongst local government officials, traditional community leaders and civil society; in the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme; and in the future process of Afghan-led reconciliation processes.
In relation to the March 2014 MAP, the report’s record is adequate. The MAP calls for UNAMA to support measures to protect and ensure women’s participation as candidates and voters; support the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC); track the enforcement of the EVAW law and of civilian casualties disaggregated by gender; monitor all actions by the government and parliament that affect women’s rights including, particularly, by providing pressure and assistance to implement the summer 2013 recommendations of the CEDAW committee; support efforts to address the needs of IDPs, many whom are women, and particularly call for the policy in line with international standards. Finally, the Council should call on President Karzai to refuse to sign the draft CPC as it stands and reject any amendments that would limit the ability to ensure justice for violence against women.[1] Significantly the report, calls for women’s participation election processes; calls for support for the AIHRC; for monitoring to ensure the enforcement of the EVAW law; and highlights the importance of the amended language of the CPC to to better ensure justice for violence against women. The report does not discuss tracking for civilian casualties disaggregated by gender nor does it mention actions taken to pressure and assist the government in implementing the recent CEDAW recommendations. Finally, the report fails to apply a gender lens when discussing the needs of IDPs and there is no mention of any movement on a policy regarding IDPs.
The widespread mention of women, peace and security issues in the SG report of 7 March 2014 (S/2013/163) is on par with the previous SG report of 6 December 2013 (S/2013/721). The current report continues good practice of emphasizing women’s participation and inclusion in the upcoming election processes and the efforts of UNAMA in promoting women’s participation and protection concerns, as well as efforts to improve women’s participation in the police. The current report improves by explicitly mentioning preparations to train women as election observers, and also discusses efforts to strengthen the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission absent from the previous report. Unfortunately, both report fail provide statistics on women in reporting on civilian deaths. Further, both reports lack any consideration of the humanitarian situation pertaining to women, or the gender-specific needs of women and girls IDPs and refugees.
[1] http://womenpeacesecurity.org/media/pdf-MAP_March2014.pdf
The Quarterly report to the Security Council on the operations of the International Security Assistance Force (S/2014/179) was submitted on 12 March 2014.
TQuarterly report to the Security Council on the operations of the International Security Assistance Force contained in the letter submitted by ….pursuant to resolution 2120 (2013), updates the Security Council on the progress of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from 1 November 2013 to 31 January 2014.ISAF continues preparing the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to assume full responsibility for security operations by the end of 2014. ANSF continues to make progress towards becoming a completely field force, however challenges remain and the force is not yet self-sustaining. ISAF continues to play a vital role in civilian protection.
Issue of women, peace and security are mentioned in regards to election preparations and the activities of the ministry of defence and interior. Particularly, several presidential candidates participation in a women’s advocacy conference, the sixth coordination meeting of the Independent Electoral commission with women’s organizations , which encouraged women participation in positions within the commission; recruitment of women in the ASF and female searchers for elections, noting steps have been taken to better protect and empower police and women staff in the Ministry of the Interior. The ministry of defence is also taking steps in integrating gender concerns, via future, approved policies such as the Human Rights and Gender Integration Directorate Working Plan 2013-2016 and the Female Management Accession Policy. Finally, the report expresses concern regarding the lack of progress by the government in fully meeting commitments under Tokyo regarding human rights and addressing violence against women.
Missed Opportunities to address women, peace and security center upon key women’s protection concerns. The report fails to employ a gender lens in regards to civilian protection as well as IDP and refugee return. Further, there is no mention of efforts to protect and prevent acts of sexual and gender-based violence, nor is there mention of services for survivors. The report does not explicitly discuss the implementation of a gender perspective in ISAF’s civilian protection activities.
In relation to the recommendations put forth in the October 2013 MAP, the report’s record is mixed. The MAP calls on ISAF to support women’s political participation in election processes; the Afghan National Police; civilian protection effects; civilian reparation efforts; and to support efforts to end impunity for war crimes; and to support gender integration in government institutions The report mentions women’s participation in elections preparations, in the Afghan National Police ; and in government institutions. The report could improve by providing sex-disaggregated data in reporting on civilian deaths as well as employment of a gender lens in civil protection efforts. Additionally, there is no mention of protecting human rights defenders. Finally, there are no explicit mentions of ISAF’s efforts to end impunity for war crimes or support in the reparation process.
The current report is on par with the previous report 18 December 2013 (S/2013/750). Both reflect gender considerations in the operations of ISAF; the activities of the ministry of defence and interior; in the activities of the Independent Electoral Commission. However unlike the previous report, the current report does not provide any information on any attacks on female Parliamentarians and police officers.
The Security Council met to discuss the Situation in Afghanistan on 17 March 2014 (S/PV.7139).
The Security Council met on 17 March 2014 to discuss Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (S/2014/163).
There are over 30 comprehensive references to issues of women, peace and security during the meeting, highlighting women’s participation, empowerment and protection concerns. Key references include; calls for women’s continued participation in election processes; demands to cease violence against women, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections; demands to end impunity for crimes of sexual and gender-based violence; calls for the implementation of the elimination of violence against women law ; as well as calls for the promotion and project of women’s human rights pursuant to the Tokyo Framework.
Security Council resolution 2145 (S/RES/2145) was adopted on 17 March 2014 to renew UNAMA’s mandate.
The Security Council adopted resolution 2145 (S/RES/2145) at the 7138 meeting on 17 March 2014. The Resolution renews the mandate of the UNAMA until 17 March 2015. The renewed mandate takes full account of the political and security transition processes and UNAMA’s critical support across a wide-range processes, notably, the upcoming elections; peace and reconciliation processes; in strengthening the capacity of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC); in the delivery of humanitarian aid and civilian protection; and in police transition and training. Further, the Resolution emphasizes the need for an inclusive political processes and the protection and promotion of human rights to ensure peace and stability to the country.
Reaffirms progress in ensuring women’s human rights PP.10. The resolution includes widespread mentions of issues of women, peace and security, reflecting both women’s human rights participation and protection concerns. Notably, there are significant calls for women’s full participation in all political, peace, security, and reconciliation processes, including the upcoming elections as candidates, voters and campaigners (OP.12 (specific reference to women’s roles, 43, 44). There were also calls for women’s participation in an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation processes; in the Afghan security sector, notably in the Afghan National Police as well as UNAMA’s continued support of women police associations (OP. 21, 24, 26); and women’s full representation in all Afghan institutions (OP.41). Significantly, the resolution notes the vital role of women in peace processes and explicitly calls for women’s participation in outreach, consultation and decision-making processes, at all stages of the development and implementation of post-conflict strategies (OP. 14). Additionally, the resolution acknowledges women’s important contribution to political, economic and social life (OP.44). Further, resolution explicitly calles for respect for women’s rights provisions outlined in the constitution (PP. 17)
In regards to women’s protection concerns, the resolution incorporates a gender lens when discussing the need for improved civilian protection, (PP.4) and explicitly condemns the targeted killing of women and girls, particularly high-level female officials and targeted attacks against girls’ education and calls for those responsible to be held accountable (OP. 31, 32). Further, the resolution calls for all parties to ensure the protection of women, children, and displaced persons from sexual violence and all forms of gender-based violence, and that perpetrators are held accountable (PP. 31, 43). Additionally, the resolution calls on authorities to fully implement the EVAW law, including the implementation of services to victims and access to justice (OP.44). Additionally, it calls for respect and protection for all human rights, including those of human rights defenders, and calls on UNHCR to support the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) (OP.42), and for cooperation between the government and all relevant international and local NGOs to monitor the civilian situation, ensure protection, promote accountability, and assist in the implementation of human rights as outlined in the constitution and in all international treaties Afghanistan is a party to, including CEDAW (OP.6e).
Missed opportunities to incorporate a gender lens relate to women’s human rights protection and promotion in regards to the humanitarian situation. First, the Council shouldincorporate a gender lens when discussing the need for further improvements in the efficient and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance (PP. 26; OP. 7c). Second, gender perspective is absent in discussion of assistance and protection efforts for IDPs and refugees, and in return processes (OP. 7c, 45, 46). Third, when calling for the full rehabilitation and reintegration of refugees and IDPs, the development of and access to gender-specific services, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence should be explicitly articulated (OP. 47).
In relation to the Recommendations set forth in the March 2014 MAP, the Resolutions record is substantial, but still had room for improvement. The MAP calls on the council to identify challenges and remedies regarding national and international efforts to advance women’s integration in political, economic and social life, and to ensure women participation in all political, peace, reconciliation, and security processes; support the AIHRC; and track the enforcement of the ELAW. The MAP calls for a gender lens in civilian protection; in the protection and promotion of IDP and refugee rights; and in human rights monitoring. Additionally, the MAP calls on President Karzai refuse to sign the draft CPC law; for senior gender expertise and advice; for language ensuring women’s involvement in lasting peace; and reporting of sex disaggregated data in regards to civilian casualties. Significantly, key participation asks are incorporated in the resolution and the majority of protection concerns are integrated as well. However, the Council fails to incorporate a gender lens in the tracking of civilian causalities; in regards to humanitarian aid access and delivery. Further, the Council does not call on President Karzai to refuses to sign the draft CPC law. Finally, the Council misses a significant opportunity to incorporate gender, by not explicitly calling for senior gender expertise and advice in the mission.
The current resolution improves with strengthened language regarding both women’s participation and protection concerns. The resolution calls for women’s participation in all political, peace and security processes, and explicitly articulates specific areas of women’s inclusion including, women’s participation in the ANSF and for the gender integration in the security sector; and emphasizes women’s participation in electoral processes On human rights protection concerns, the Council explicitly condemns the targeted killing of women and girls, particularly high-level female official, absent from the previous resolution. Further, the current resolution call for a strengthening of the institutional capacity and support for the AIHRC, makes additional calls to end impunity for violence against women; and also calls for cooperation amongst UNHCR, the AIHRC, the government and all relevant international and local NGOs to protect and promote the human rights of civilians in line with CEDAW.
Overview of mandate changes
Women, Peace and Security Improvements
· Reaffirmed progress made in regards to human rights, including the rights of women and girls (PP. 10).
· Explicitly mentioned the recruitment and retention of women in the ANSF (PP. 21).
· Explicitly condemned the targeted killing of women and girls, particularly high-level female officials and explicitly called for all parties to ensure the protection of women, children, and displaced persons from sexual violence and all forms of gender-based violence, and that perpetrators are held accountable (PP. 31).
· Recalled resolutions 2106 (2013) and 2122 (2013) in addition to all other WPS resolutions (PP. 39).
· Called on UNHCR to support the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), and for cooperation between the government and all relevant international and local NGOs to monitor the civilian situation, ensure protection, promote accountability, and assist in the implementation of human rights as outlined in the constitution and in all international treaties Afghanistan is a party to, including CEDAW (OP. 6e).
· Welcomeed women’s participation in the electoral process as candidates, voters and campaigners (OP. 12).
· Called for increased recruitment, retention, training and capacity development for women in the Afghan National Police, implementation of their gender integration strategy, and welcomes UNAMA’s continued support of women police associations (OP. 26).
· Explicitly condemned targeted attacks against girls’ education and calls for those responsible to be held accountable (OP. 32).
· Reiterated the important role of AIHRC to strengthen institutional capacity and independence within the framework of the constitution (OP. 42).
· Strengthened women’s human rights promotion, by explicitly emphasizing women’s full participation in achieving gender equality and strengthening women’s human rights protection with calls for accountability of perpetrators (OP. 43)
· Emphasized the full participation of women in the electoral process (OP. 44)
Continued References to Women, Peace and Security
· Called for improved human rights protection, including for women and girls (PP. 4).
· Called for respect regarding human rights provisions in the constitution, particularly women’s rights (PP. 17)
· Expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties, particularly against women and children (PP. 41).
· Recognized the importance of ongoing monitoring and reporting of the Council and ISAF regarding the situation of civilians and civilian casualties (PP. 41)
· Welcomed efforts to promote an inclusive peace and reconciliation process, with respect for human rights, particularly women’s rights (OP. 13).
· Welcomed measures to increase women, civil society and minority participation in outreach, consultation and decision-making processes, noted women’s vital role in peace processes, reiterated the need for women’s full, equal and effective participation in all stages of peace processes, and called for women’s involvement in the development and implementation of post-conflict strategies to ensure women’s perspectives are integrated as affirmed by the Bonn and Tokyo Conferences (OP. 14).
· Stressed the role of UNAMA in supporting the government in the peace and reconciliation processes, including through the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme and in cooperation with the AIHRC, to ensure human rights and gender implications in the promotion and protection of human rights (OP. 16).
· Reiterated the importance of an Afghan security sector that is inclusive of women (OP. 24)
· Encouraged all Afghan institutions to ensure full representation of all Afghan women and men (OP.41).
· Called for respect and protection for all human rights, including those of human rights defenders, and commended the AIHRC (OP. 42).
· Welcomeed government’s commitment to strengthen women’s participation in political, peace, security processes as well as women’s important contribution to political, economic and social life, and called on authorities to fully implement the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law, including the implementation of services to victims and access to justice (OP.44).
The Council should incorporate a gender lens when discussing the need for further improvements in the efficient and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance (PP. 26; OP. 7c). A gender perspective is absent in discussion of assistance and protection efforts for IDPs and refugees, and in return processes (OP. 7c, 45, 46). Related, when calling for the full rehabilitation and reintegration of refugees and IDPs, the development of and access to gender-specific services, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence should be explicitly articulated (OP. 47).