KABUL - After a nation-wide consultation process among more than 6,000 ordinary Afghans from all over the country, civil society leaders and UN officials gathered at an event in Kabul on Monday to launch a new book that distils Afghan views on peace and development.

Speaking at the event, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, said that the book conveys “a strong consensus” among people on the need for a political solution to ending the conflict and the critical role that civil society should play in peace mediation and reconciliation.

In soliciting the views of ordinary citizens on the issues that impact their lives, Yamamoto went on to say, the recommendations outlined in the book promote an inclusive human-rights-centred approach to a sustainable peace process that includes provisions for accountability.

Developed by a steering committee consisting of 11 Afghan civil society groups along with the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and the High Peace Council, the book, titled ‘Afghan People’s Dialogue on Peace,’ was produced with the support of UNAMA’s Human Rights team through a province-level initiative in which ordinary citizens expressed their views on peace, reconciliation, human rights, gender equality and economic development.

Presenting the book, Fahim Hakim, a steering committee representative and AIHRC adviser, noted that one-third of the more than 6,000 Afghan voices reflected in the book are those of women.

“People from all walks of life participated in these dialogues, including teachers, farmers, religious leaders, commanders, youth and others,” said Hakim, adding that the book can serve as a benchmark for future peace planning and for policymakers.

Events are scheduled to disseminate the book across the country, with the support of UNAMA and in coordination with partners.

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