The US-Taliban Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan

29 February 2020

Today’s signing of the ‘US-Taliban Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan’ (the Agreement), is the first step in a long fragile road toward peace. AIHRC understands that as part of the Agreement, U.S. forces will withdraw completely within 14 months, with the first troop reduction happening in 135 days. U.S. withdrawal is conditioned on Taliban compliance as laid out in the Agreement. AIHRC is examining the Agreement’s text. Preliminary thoughts follow, with an updated press release to be issued later. 

AIHRC draws attention to two critical issues. Firstly, U.S. withdrawal must be monitored, to ensure a responsible, accountable withdrawal of U.S. forces takes place, in addition to third party monitoring of Taliban compliance. Secondly, minds must now focus on intra-Afghan talks. AIHRC calls on the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Taliban and the U.S. to give further information on process design including how specifically the process will be an inclusive one giving space to civil society and victims.

Third party monitoring and observation of U.S. forces withdrawal and Taliban compliance

U.S. withdrawal must be responsible. The U.S. must be transparent about how it plans to leave; in particular, ensuring, for instance, that de-mining is planned and carried out. In addition, AIHRC calls for international, impartial and independent monitoring of U.S. withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. In addition, Taliban compliance must be monitored, with plans made for international and Afghan institutions to be given the resources and access to participate in monitoring and observation of compliance.

Intra-Afghan Talks

AIHRC notes the 14 month withdrawal presumably also gives intra-Afghan talks between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban a 14 month timeline. This is critical because peace in Afghanistan will be defined largely through this dialogue. It is also critical because so far these talks are without a confirmed mediator, guarantor or facilitator. How intra-Afghan talks will be monitored and observed remains to be seen. Critical questions regarding process design have not as yet been decided or publicly communicated.

AIHRC calls for the intra-Afghan dialogue to begin immediately. While the signing today is a first and important step toward peace – only through intra-Afghan dialogue can we end the war and bring peace to Afghanistan. To maximize the chances of the peace process succeeding, we must focus on strengthening the dialogue process between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Taliban, including clarifying questions on process design, agenda items and monitoring. Intra-Afghan dialogue is where the hard work of negotiating the framework and terms for durable peace in Afghanistan begins.

In addition, AIHRC calls for Reduction in Violence’s (RIV) continuation, and a lasting ceasefire. The deadliest conflict in the world for children, the current rate of violence is unacceptable and the suffering too great.

AIHRC acknowledges that all Afghans and all parties to the conflict, but especially Afghan civilians, have suffered through a variety of types of violence.

From aerial bombardment, drone strikes and suicide bombings to extraordinary rendition, torture, sexual violence and front-line violence, there has been a tremendous range of violence. This violence has greatly affected Afghanistan’s society and people at all levels: we now have thousands of bereaved, including widows and children, persons with disabilities and families and individuals living in dire poverty.

In addition, AIHRC remains concerned about an outcome that does not respect the human rights and dignity of Afghans. To succeed intra-Afghan talks must be an inclusive process, with an agenda that puts restoring the dignity of all Afghans at the heart of the process, with serious consideration of human rights, and an outcome that does justice to Afghans’ human rights concerns. 

Finally, AIHRC welcomes this first step in a long, fragile road to peace. But calls on all parties to the conflict, the U.S., the Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to act responsibly for they are accountable to the Afghan people who badly need peace, and cannot endure continued war.