Media & Publications
Press Releases
Social Contract and Trust-Building: Can Another UN-Supervised Constitutional Process Bring Peace to Afghanistan?
On October 16, 2024, the Center for Dialogue and Progress – Geneva (CDP-G) organized a peace panel during the Geneva Peace Week. Hosted at the conference hall of the Geneva Center for Security Policy this year, it is the second year that CDP-G organizes a peace panel. While last year’s peace panel focused on the […]
ALL-TOOLS APPROACH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY INAFGHANISTAN: THE ROLE OF THE TREATY BODIES
The side event was aimed at examining the role and potential of the UN treaty bodies in holding the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan accountable, with a particular focus on raising awareness of the individual complaints procedures and the challenges associated with the lack of jurisdiction of the committees to receive […]
Open Letter: Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council
As #HRC57 approaches, we stand united with over 90 Afghan and international human rights and civil society organizations to urge @UN_HRC member states to take decisive action for Afghanistan:1️⃣ Renew and strengthen the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan with the necessary resources to address the continuing crisis. […]
Invite Afghanistan’s Majority to the Table at Doha Envoy Talks
By Amb. Nair A. AndishaCo-Founder and Strategic Advisor, Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva28 June 2024Originally published on JustSecurity
Meeting of Afghanistan Civil Society Organizations Network
This report summarizes the discussions from the “Meeting of the Afghanistan Civil Society Organizations Network” held on June 20 and 21 in Geneva, Switzerland. Since its inception in October 2022, the Afghanistan Civil Society Network has been actively organizing and discussing various aspects of the Network. A significant milestone was reached in November 2023 when […]
Countering Gender Apartheid & Gender Persecution in Afghanistan: Call for Global Action for Accountability and Codification
On the sidelines of the 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, a critical discussion on “Countering Gender Apartheid & Gender Persecution in Afghanistan: Call for Global Action for Accountability and Codification.”Since the Taliban seized control in 2021, Afghan women and girls have faced severe restrictions on their fundamental rights, marking a women’s […]
Part-Time Fellow on the Private Sector and the Role of Women
The Center for Dialogue and Progress seeks a dynamic and proactive individual to join our team as a Part-Time Fellow. The ideal candidate will be strongly interested in economic development, finance, trade, and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan. The selected fellow will support research, organize events, and develop policy recommendations based on the insights gathered from […]
Vacancy: Part-time Media and Communications Fellow
CDP-G is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Media and Communications Fellow. The ideal candidate will be a senior team member who coordinates efforts, including better and more effective communication between Afghanistan’s exiled civil society organizations. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement communication strategies to promote collaboration and coordination […]
Opening Speech by Dr. Aliye Yilmaz at 3rd CDP-G Conference “National Dialogue, Role of Civil Society and Democratic Forces in the Future of Afghanistan”
تینگری تعالی آتی بیلن!عزیز مهانلر ، باشلب یولگه قوییلگن دیالوگ ملی باشلیقلی CDP-G نینگ اوچنجی برنامه سی اوچون ترکیه نینگ گوزل شهری انتالیا گه خوش کیلدینگیز دییمن، قدملرینگیرگه حسنات!بنام خداوند آزادی و عدالت!عرض سلام و ارادت دارم حضور همه فرهیخته گان آگاه و مهمانان گرانقدر!جای بس مسرت است که بازهم فرصت یافتیم سومین نشست خود […]
National Dialogue, Role of Civil Society and Democratic Forces in the Future of Afghanistan
Geneva, Switzerland – March 11, 2024 This paper reflects a summary of the discussions, as noted by respective rapporteurs. Over 80 civil society leaders, young professionals, activists, intellectuals, human rights activists, journalists, members of Afghanistan’s community, and men and women with diverse socio-political backgrounds gathered in Antalya on March 4th and 5th, 2024 to engage […]
3rd CDP-G National Dialogue Conference on Afghanistan – Antalya 4-5 March 2024
National Dialogue, Role of Civil Society and Democratic Forces in the Future of Afghanistan As we embark on a transformative journey to shape Afghanistan’s trajectory towards a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future. This two-day conference will feature insightful discussions in thematic sessions, exploring vital aspects of Afghanistan’s development. Gathering a large group of Afghan stakeholders, the […]
PRESS RELEASE: UN DOHA MEETING ON AFGHANISTAN 18-19 February 2024
The emphasis of the “Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group” on the drafting of the constitution in an inclusive and general process.
Joint Roundtable: Potentials & Capacity of the Private Sector for Partnership in the Provision of Humanitarian & Essential Services in Afghanistan
The roundtable on “Potentials and Capacity of the Afghanistan Local Private Sector for Partnership in Provision of Humanitarian and Essential Services in Afghanistan” aims to explore possibilities and pragmatic ideas to facilitate efficient humanitarian assistance and essential services in Afghanistan in favor of maximizing the impact under the current challenges. This initiative will deliberate on […]
8th Episode of the ‘Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces Dialogue Series’
In our next conversation of ‘Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces Dialogue Series’ 🎙️ we’ll be joined by Roya Musawi, a journalist who has covered Afghanistan for various media outlets. We’ll discuss the crucial role of media in safeguarding democracy in Afghanistan, discussing the challenges and the way forward. Stay tuned for this discussion!Tuesday 6th, February […]
7th Episode of the ‘Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces Dialogue Series’
In our upcoming episode of ‘Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces Dialogue Series’, Dr. Mohammad Haroon Mutasem will discuss the dynamics between legislative processes, legitimacy, and sustained stability. Our focus will be the enigmatic case of Afghanistan, where achieving constitutional longevity has proven to be a challenging endeavor. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on […]
Not since Nagasaki… By Antonio Donini
Not since Nagasaki…By Antonio DoniniBoard Member, Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva30 December 2023
6th Episode of the ‘Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series’
In our episode of ‘Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series,’ Amb. Tahir Qadiry will explore the crucial theme of upholding justice during the transition from war and tyranny to peace and democracy. Joining him is Ehsan Qaane, a Research Fellow at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. Together, they will delve into the mechanisms for ensuring accountability, reconciliation, […]
4th Episode of the ‘Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series’
In the upcoming episode of “Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces” we will discuss the intricate web of Afghanistan’s economy and its current state with Dr. Mustafa Mastoor, the former Minister of Economy.Sunday, 10 December, 18:00 CET through CDP-G Social Media Pages
3rd Episode of the ‘Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series’
Our upcoming episode features Ms. Shagofah Ghafori, a civil society activist and a youth voice. Ms. Ghafori will share her perspectives on the crucial role of youth in reclaiming their voice and actively participating in the transformative dialogues at CDP-G.Stay tuned for the episode release and be part of the conversation!
Dialogue of Afghanistan Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces
November 24, 2023 Geneva, SwitzerlandToday, the Center for Dialogue and Progress – Geneva took a significant step towards fostering positive change. Over 20 Civil Society Organizations and young professionals united to review the 2022-2023 activities of this dynamic network.This interactive one-day event was all about teamwork, goal-setting, and laying the foundation for impactful initiatives. Together, […]
STATEMENT: Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group Calls for Genuine, Transparent and Inclusive Constitution Drafting Process
Press Release: Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group Urge Transparent Constitution Drafting Geneva, Switzerland – November 18, 2023 The Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group, representing the nation’s legal professionals, calls for a transparent and inclusive constitutional drafting process in Afghanistan. Expressing deep concern over the absence of a constitutional order since the Taliban’s suspension of the […]
Second Episode of the ‘Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series’
Our second episode of the ‘Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series,’ will feature Mrs. Shukria Barakzai, a former Member of Parliament in Afghanistan and former Ambassador to Norway. She is a prominent figure in Afghanistan’s women’s movement in exile. Mrs. Barakzai will delve into the crucial topic of the ‘Role of Women in […]
Civil Society and Young Political Forces Dialogue Series
We are thrilled to announce that the Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva is proud to present its “Civil Society and Democratic Political Forces Dialogue Series.” It has been a year since we pioneered this groundbreaking initiative, and we are now ready to delve deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing Afghanistan today.Throughout this series, we […]
Upcoming Event: My Voice, Our Peace! Connecting Women Peace Leaders from Afghanistan and Ukraine
Women’s inclusion in peace and security processes, as well as women’s leadership in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, are essential prerequisites for long-lasting sustainable peace and stability.The Center for Dialogue and Progress – Geneva (CDP-G) is a Geneva-based organization that brings local and global solutions together to address the pressing issues facing countries and societies in […]
CDP-G Press Statement on Herat Earthquake
It is with profound sadness that we address today on behalf of our organization the devastating earthquake that struck Herat province of Afghanistan. We stand in solidarity with the people who have been tragically affected by a powerful earthquake that struck their region. A devastating earthquake, measuring 6.3 in magnitude, occurred near the Iranian border […]
54th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
On the 12th of September 2023, the Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva (CDP-G) in collaboration with Action for Development (AFD), Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) and the Center for Human Rights Advocacy (CHRA) organised a Panel Discussion at the margin of the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The event brought together various perspectives […]
Afghanistan’s Voice: Preserving Cultural Rights and Artistic Expression
Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva (CDP-G) is thrilled to be part of the “Afghanistan’s Voice: Preserving Cultural Rights and Artistic Expression” event, featuring an incredible performance by the Afghan Youth Orchestra. This remarkable cultural gathering is organized by the Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Permanent Mission of Portugal […]
Webinar: Afghanistan two years on: Doha Peace talks, state collapse, and its implications on global peacebuilding
On the 2nd anniversary of the state collapse and the Taliban’s military takeover of Afghanistan, an expert panel will discuss the “Doha peace talks, state collapse, and their implications on global peacebuilding.”Join us at 15:00 on August 17, 2023, as we delve into this critical conversation. To register, please write to us.
Antalya Conference Summary
On the 16th and 17th March 2023, over 60 leaders of civil society, political figures, young professionals, activists, intellectuals, human rights activists, journalists, members of Afghanistan’s community, men and women with diverse socio-political backgrounds gathered in Antalya, Türkiye as part of the 2nd Conference on National Dialogue: Role of Civil Society, Women and the Future of Afghanistan.
Reports
Open Letter: Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council
As #HRC57 approaches, we stand united with over 90 Afghan and international human rights and civil society organizations to urge @UN_HRC member states to take decisive action for Afghanistan:
1️⃣ Renew and strengthen the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan with the necessary resources to address the continuing crisis. 2️⃣ Establish an independent mechanism to investigate and preserve evidence of human rights violations, including crimes under international law. 3️⃣ Ensure continued dialogue on the devastating impact of the Taliban’s repression on women and girls, with meaningful follow-up to address this gender persecution, which amounts to gender apartheid.
Meeting of Afghanistan Civil Society Organizations Network
This report summarizes the discussions from the “Meeting of the Afghanistan Civil Society Organizations Network” held on June 20 and 21 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Since its inception in October 2022, the Afghanistan Civil Society Network has been actively organizing and discussing various aspects of the Network. A significant milestone was reached in November 2023 when an agreement was reached on a governance structure, leading to the establishment of a leadership committee and a temporary secretariat for the Network. The Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva (CDP-G), as a member of the leadership council and the secretariat, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the interactions among the Network members. Their continued efforts in organizing future meetings and interactions of the Network are commendable.
In one of the sessions of the Antalya Conference in March 2024, the members of the Network and several civil society experts discussed the structure and the future of the Network. Due to the increase in the number of Network members, it was suggested that the structure of the Network be reviewed again, and the new members of the Network also get the opportunity to provide their feedback on the governance and introduce candidates for the executive structure of the Network. Based on this discussion, CDP-G organized an online interaction with the Network on 17 May 2024 to consult with the Network members on the agenda for the next meeting of the Network during the month of June 2024. The Network members proposed the inclusion of items on the governance of the Network, strategy, and work plan of the Network, as well as discussions on key opportunities and challenges that the civil society organizations are facing as part of the agenda of the next in-person meeting.
The second in-person meeting of the Network took place on 20 and 21 of June 2024 in Geneva International Conferences Center. All 43 members of the network, including those operating inside Afghanistan, were invited; however, a few members were not able to join due to difficulties related to visas or personal emergencies. Some members who were not able to join the meeting in person took part in the discussions virtually through Zoom. This workshop aimed to address three main issues:
- The geographical dispersion of civil society organizations, coordination difficulties,
- Identity and governance issues, and
- How can dialogue for change among members of civil society be fostered?
The network’s overall aim is to strengthen its structure and engage in collective advocacy efforts, establishing a credible platform for coordinating civil and political actors.
The opening session of the workshop included speeches from the President of the Board of CDP-G, who emphasized the importance of coordination and expansion of the Network, and Amb. George Marc, former Swiss Ambassador to Afghanistan and a member of the Board of CDP-G, highlighted collaboration as the main need of Afghanistan’s civil society to overcome the challenges posed by the current restrictions.
After the introduction of members of the Network, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, senior advisor of CDP-G, gave an overview of the establishment and achievements of the Network. He pointed out the inclusion of young activists as an important consideration in equal, meaningful, and inclusive participation and rebuilding the civil society of Afghanistan. The relevance and capacity development of the Network member associations were particularly emphasized. He also stressed the new path and a roadmap, including negotiations in Doha and the unification of non-Taliban groups and Civil Society.
The first working session of the Network members concentrated on three main questions:
- How can we overcome the geographical dispersion of the CSOs and increase harmony?
- How do you create an identity for the Network and take positions?
- How can we be relevant and influence the current and upcoming processes in the future of Afghanistan?
All present members and those who joined online were divided into three groups for each group to discuss one of the above questions. At the end of the session, group representatives shared their recommendations in the plenary.
Group One Recommendations:
- Clear goals based on the needs and necessities of the people of Afghanistan, both inside and outside the country,
- Specialization of civil society work and establishing connections with those organizations on the ground to expand civil and humanitarian services,
- There is a need to be transformative and connect with NGOs inside Afghanistan,
- Exploring ways of communication using influential internal stakeholders in the religious scholars,
- Greater cohesion among civil society forces within the region surrounding, learning from successful post-war models,
- Create internet networks and hold online meetings to follow up on decisions and delegate tasks,
- Connecting with institutions engaged in education, health, environment, and humanitarian services,
- Meeting locations are important for gathering more forces and being influential lobbyists and key players,
Group Two Recommendations:
The group explored establishing a distinct identity for the civil society network and its strategic position. Key actions recommended and the participants agreed upon are the following:
- Selecting a name that reflects the network’s mission and vision.
- Ensuring the network’s effectiveness and prominence through unified actions.
- Presenting a unified voice and focusing on capacity building for members.
- Introducing and promoting network members to raise their profiles and foster mutual support.
- Establishing a clear framework for connections among members with well-defined vision and goals.
- Setting priorities and outlining specific time frames for activities.
- Delegating certain tasks to CDP-G to leverage shared resources effectively.
- Forming a specific group to prepare bylaws for the network.
Group Three Recommendations:
How to be relevant and influence the processes in the future of Afghanistan?
- It is required to create an umbrella for all those organizations, inside and outside the country, that pursue common goals,
- Create alliances among the civil society organizations based on the subject matters, i.e., human rights, education, peace, governance, etc., and let each alliance create its own goals and objectives,
- Coordinated advocacy should be a key feature of the work of civil society organizations outside the country,
- Build the capacity of the civil society organizations and particularly extend support to those civil society organizations that still function inside the country,
- Civil society should have one voice and not differentiate between the organizations and activists from inside and outside Afghanistan,
- Create narratives and positions to challenge the current dictatorship in Afghanistan,
- Learn from the lessons of the past and build new initiatives based on those lessons,
- Open dialogue and build consensus on key issues and respect all views,
- Provide safeguarding to members, particularly for those who operate in Afghanistan.
Briefings and Networking Activities
The meeting of the Network was organized to overlap with the 56th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council. To ensure the Network members receive the most up-to-date information on the human rights situation, Mr. Mohibullah Taib, consular at the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan in Geneva, was invited to give a presentation on the Afghanistan Universal Periodic Review report and the requirement to prepare the next report of Afghanistan on the implementation of the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Mr. Taib explained that the Permanent Mission in Geneva successfully organized a delegation consisting of members of the former government, civil society representatives, and human rights activists from Afghanistan to prepare and present the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Afghanistan to the UN Human Rights Council. He also added that subsequently, the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan is asked to prepare and submit the next periodic report of Afghanistan on the implementation of CEDAW. Mr. Taib asked for the support of the Network members in the preparation and presentation of the report.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, and his team also attended the Network meeting. A number of non-governmental organizations and activists who work closely on the situation in Afghanistan also attended the lunch meeting, which was planned as a networking opportunity. Mr. Bennett, who presented his recent report on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan to the Human Rights Council, briefly presented his report findings to the Network members and also provided feedback on gender apartheid and other cases of human rights violations.
Members of the Network had a fruitful interaction with him, during which various aspects of the human rights situation in Afghanistan were discussed. Members of the Network shared their questions with the Special Rapporteur and offered their support to the work of the Special Rapporteur. In his remarks, Mr. Bennett stated that the work of civil society is extremely important for advocating for human rights in Afghanistan. Mr. Bennett and members of the Network continued the discussion over lunch.
The afternoon sessions started with a discussion on the governance of the Network. The Network members discussed on the need for a revision of the governance of the Network and how changes should be addressed. Members of the network agreed to create working groups to study the governance structure of the network further. They provided feedback on the overall structure and the network’s future action plans. It was decided that a smaller group of network members should work on establishing a working group to study the governance and strategy of the network.
The final session of the first day of the workshop focused on possible scenarios for civil society in Afghanistan and conducted research on the understanding and expanding the definition and functionality of civil society organizations inside and outside Afghanistan under the current situation. Ms. Elham Kohistani, who facilitated the session, presented four possible scenarios for the work of civil society organizations. These scenarios were developed and analyzed in another forum led by the Swedish Folke Bernadotte Academy and the network members provided their feedback on the probability of each scenario two and a half years after the fall of the Republic of Afghanistan.
Members of the Network also discussed how the Network can contribute to defining the civil society of Afghanistan in the post-Republic era. Given the answers to the three main questions that had been discussed in the morning session, the participants provided their feedback and opinions on how research can help the Network align its future activities with the realities on the ground but also how CDP-G can work more closely with the members of the Network and respond to their capacity development and other needs. The Network members decided to appoint a working group to work on the scope and modality of conducting this research. Further discussions on the composition of the working group were deferred to the second day of the workshop.
Day Two: working groups meeting
The second day of the workshop took place, with the presence of a selected number (over 20) of the participants. The objective of this session was to ensure that members of two working groups were identified to work on the network’s governance strategic plan and conduct research on the current state and future of work of the Afghan civil society.
It is worth mentioning that membership in these working groups has been on volunteer basis and those members who were not present in the meeting can show their interest to be part of the working groups by sending an email.
To facilitate the work of these working groups, CDP-G was assigned to create contact groups and provide necessary support to the members to convene and pursue their activities. Working groups will meet with Secretariat members during the month of July to organize their plans and work on the assigned tasks.
National Dialogue, Role of Civil Society and Democratic Forces in the Future of Afghanistan
Geneva, Switzerland – March 11, 2024
This paper reflects a summary of the discussions, as noted by respective rapporteurs.
Over 80 civil society leaders, young professionals, activists, intellectuals, human rights activists, journalists, members of Afghanistan’s community, and men and women with diverse socio-political backgrounds gathered in Antalya on March 4th and 5th, 2024 to engage in a thorough and constructive dialogue on Afghanistan’s complex trajectory.
Acknowledging the significance of this conference series, participants emphasized its role as a crucial platform for unveiling fresh perspectives on Afghanistan’s current political, social, and economic landscape. The attendees delved into discussions surrounding vital issues such as state legitimacy, popular sovereignty, and popular participation. Notably, they recognized the pivotal role of civil society and young democratic forces in shaping a constructive engagement and dialogue based on shared values.
To read the complete conference report, including the discussions and recommendations in English, Dari, and Pashto, please refer to the below links:
PRESS RELEASE: UN DOHA MEETING ON AFGHANISTAN 18-19 February 2024
The emphasis of the “Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group” on the drafting of the constitution in an inclusive and general process.
Summary of Discussions and Recommendation: Joint Roundtable: Potentials & Capacity of the Private Sector for Partnership in the Provision of Humanitarian & Essential Services in Afghanistan
Geneva, Switzerland – Following the recommendations of the previous two rounds of CDPG’s National Dialogue Conferences, (Geneva 2022, Antalya 2023), on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, economic experts, policymakers, representatives of the private sector from Afghanistan and members of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), prominent business leader’s active outside of Afghanistan, and diplomats from the countries of the region gathered in Geneva to participate at a pioneer discussion addressing Afghanistan’s economic, finance and trade challenges. Divided into four sessions, the conference delved into the complex dynamics of Afghanistan’s economic landscape, the potentials for partnership of the private sector in humanitarian aid and services delivery, the opportunities and risks facing women-led enterprises, and strategies for fostering sustainable investment and economic growth.
Click below to read the detailed report of this event in (English – Farsi – Pashto).
STATEMENT: Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group Calls for Genuine, Transparent and Inclusive Constitution Drafting Process
Press Release: Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group Urge Transparent Constitution Drafting
Geneva, Switzerland – November 18, 2023
The Afghanistan Constitutional Law Expert Group, representing the nation’s legal professionals, calls for a transparent and inclusive constitutional drafting process in Afghanistan. Expressing deep concern over the absence of a constitutional order since the Taliban’s suspension of the 2004 constitution in 2021, the Group emphasizes the need for a new constitution that adheres to principles of popular sovereignty, broad societal consensus, and comprehensive representation of national and international values. Advocating for engagement with diverse stakeholders and the inclusion of guarantees for human rights, equality, and accountable governance, the Expert Group remains committed to supporting an inclusive constitution drafting process, ensuring the new constitution genuinely reflects the will of the Afghan people for a peaceful and prosperous future.
READ BELOW IN ENGLISH, DARI, AND PASHTO
REPORT: POLICY BRIEFING, “My Voice, Our Peace! Connecting Women Peace Leaders from Ukraine and Afghanistan”.
READ THE DETAILED REPORT of the joint organized Policy Briefing, “My Voice, Our Peace! Connecting Women Peace Leaders from Afghanistan and Ukraine,” organized by OSCE and Center for Dialogue and Progress (CDP-G) on the 2nd Day of #GPW23.
National Dialogue, Role of Civil Society and the Future of Democratic Forces in Afghanistan
October 13-14, 2022, Geneva, Switzerland
During a two-day conference, more than 60 intellectuals, civil society leaders, human rights experts, activists, journalists, academics, researchers, and professionals from all walks of life from the Afghanistan diaspora community convened in CDP-G to discuss the current situation and challenges Afghanistan is facing, as well as the role civil society and democratic forces can play in shaping the future.
Report: A Critical Analysis of the Doha Peace Process; Lessons and Prospects
The agreement between the Taliban and the United States in February 2020 mapped out a process which would result in the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan and initiate the intra-Afghan negotiations for establishing an inclusive government and bringing peace to the country. After many months of negotiations, nothing on ceasefire, reconciliation and formation of an inclusive government was agreed; however, more than 5000 Taliban prisoners were released and a brazen military campaign of the Taliban ended the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The establishment of an exclusively Taliban and essentially Pashtun government1 in Kabul and the issuance of decrees that institutionalized the degradation of human rights in general, and women’s rights in particular, resulted in non-recognition of the government of the Taliban. The country is also in humanitarian and financial crisis and the situation deteriorates each day.
CDP-G Annual Report 2022-23
During the past year, CDP-G was able to establish itself and undertake important activities in the spheres of national dialogue, peace-building and human rights. We will reinforce our activities in these areas and expand our activities in the areas of rule of law, migration and fragility assessment.
We will establish a permanent secretariat to support the civil society in the diaspora. We will also work closely with the democratic forces and will try to give them a venue to advocate for a democratic future in which all men and women, from different walks of life, can share their viewpoints and participate in the political life of the country. While we will organize the third conference on national dialogue and the future of civil society and democratic forces in Afghanistan in early 2024, we aim to organize a similar conference in Central Asia during 2023 to gather the civil society leaders and democratic forces who reside in Central Asia to have a dialogue on the future of Afghanistan and the role of the civil society. We are seeking partnerships with international and regional actors for organizing this initiative.
Strategic Plan 2022-2025
CDP-G is a research and policy advocacy organization focusing on fragile states. Many states and societies are stuck in a vicious circle of fragility and total state collapse, failing to transition into a sustainable and effective nation-states. The main reasons are the mismanagement of diversity and disharmony in state-society relations.
We want to educate, facilitate dialogue and build the capacity of civil society and foster regional cooperation on peacebuilding, reconciliation and humanitarian affairs. In the 21st century, a bottom-up approach is needed to break out of the vicious circle of fragility and total state collapse.
Report: Panel on Accountability for Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan
The Center for Dialogue and Progress – Geneva’s Afghanistan Human Rights Resources Center in partnership with the Permanent Missions of Afghanistan, Australia, Iceland, and Spain to the UN Office in Geneva, the UN Women, and the International Commission of Jurists held a panel discussion at the margin of the 51st Session of the Human Rights Council to initiate a normative and practical discourse on advancing accountability for serious human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan.