KABUL - Helping human rights advocates to carry out their work in accordance with the UN Human Rights System was the focus of a UN-backed workshop in the capital Kabul.

More than 30 members of the civil society and human rights community in central Afghanistan took part in the one-day regional event, representing the provinces of Kapisa, Parwan, Panjsher, Maydan Wardak and Logar.

Participants were briefed on the recently published Dari and Pashto versions of the “Civil Society Space and the UN Human Rights System” booklet, launched earlier this month in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the publication is designed to aid activists take full advantage of the UN Human Rights System to promote freedom of expression and association, peaceful assembly and the right to participation.

Musa Mahmoodi, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, said that in order to monitor and promote human rights, it was necessary to have a good understanding of international human rights laws.

Sultan Ali Rahimi, Deputy of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation, said the workshop was useful in reinforcing the key role of civil society in promoting human rights in Afghanistan.

“There are challenges in this work, but in every developing country you can find such problems. You have to fight and reach your goal,” said Mr Rahimi. 

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.