19 July 2005

 The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) supports the measures taken by British prosecutors in dealing with the crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in Afghanistan.

 The trial of Sarwar Zardad Faryadi in Britain on charges of conspiracy to commit torture and hostage-taking during 1992 to 1996 and the detention of Hesamuddin and Habibullah, notorious members of Khad during Soviet occupation, in the Netherlands are important international steps and initiatives to establish justice for the past crimes against humanity perpetrated in Afghanistan.

 This development, which is the first international-level trial regarding the previous crimes against humanity in Afghanistan, can help put an end to the culture of impunity and increase popular confidence in transitional justice process in the country.

 The Commission calls on the prosecutors of other countries to follow the same practice against those Afghans accused of human rights abuses in accordance with the principle of universal jurisdiction and to co-operate with the people and Government of Afghanistan in ensuring justice.

 The AIHRC supports the Action Plan of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on Transitional Justice and believes that its implementation can lead to the establishment and strengthening of peace, stability, national reconciliation, rule of law, respect to human rights and dignity and respect to the victims and martyrs of the 23-year protracted Afghan conflict.