ASADABAD - As the conflict in Afghanistan continues, civilians must be protected from harm, stressed participants at a UN-backed event later broadcast to audiences in and around Asadabad, the capital of the eastern province of Kunar.

HERAT - A free and independent press is crucial for promoting peace and the respect for human rights, stressed participants in a UN-backed event that was later broadcast by television to audiences in and around Afghanistan’s western province of Herat.

GARDEZ - University students from the southeast province of Paktya gathered at a UN-backed symposium in the provincial capital of Gardez to make their voices heard on the crucial importance of respecting and protecting human rights.