On 3 and 4 December 2014, the governments of the UK and Afghanistan will co-host the London Development Conference on Afghanistan, inviting government representatives from around the world to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan and the engagement of the international community.
A main focus of this Conference will be to review the progress of the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (TMAF): the commitments which Afghanistan and donor countries made in 2012 to ensure development and stability in Afghanistan. Government representatives will also discuss upcoming priorities in Afghanistan and how they can best support the country moving forward.
In light of these important discussions among key donors and the government of Afghanistan, FIDH and its member organization in Afghanistan, Armanshahr/OPEN ASIA, have published an open letter addressed to President Ashraf Ghani, outlining our main concerns regarding the human rights situation in the country.
“This Conference in London is taking place during an important moment of transition in Afghanistan,” stated Karim Lahidji, FIDH President. “While international troops are withdrawing from the country a new government being formed, which is both a precarious time and an opportunity for positive change. The international community must encourage President Ghani to now prioritize the protection of human rights for all of Afghanistan’s citizens, as this is the only way that genuine stability and peace will prevail.”