HERAT - Improving the ability of women victims of violence to seek formal recourse to justice was at the centre of a lively UN-backed TV debate in the western province of Herat.

The discussion, the fifth in a series of similar events in recent weeks, was organized by the Herat regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Four panellists, including a provincial court official, a civil society representative, a prosecutor and a member of the Afghan Independent Bar Association (AIBA), discussed a range of issues, from the challenges women face in cases of violence to the importance of public awareness about human rights.

“Public awareness about criminal procedures is absolutely crucial so that victims can pursue justice,” said panellist Monis Mohammadi, an AIBA member in Herat. “The legal framework is supportive and helpful, but still many issues hinder women even accessing that framework.”

In addition to discussing various justice mechanisms in place, the panellists outlined several of the challenges that have prevented Afghan women from seeking recourse through them, such as poverty, illiteracy and a lack of awareness about fundamental rights.

The lively discussion was recorded and later broadcast by television and radio to an audience estimated at 400,000 people in and around Herat city. Herat lies on old trade routes, with roads running to the bordering countries of Iran to the west and Turkmenistan to the north. The mostly rural and agricultural province is Afghanistan’s primary trade gateway to Iran.

Organized by UNAMA with the provincial government, the debate was part of broader outreach programme designed to improve public trust in judicial institutions.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists 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.