Press Release
Peace Watch Committee Afghanistan (PWC)
Corruption and torture delay and jeopardize the peace process.
20 February 2013
The government Fact-Finding Commission assigned in connection with the UAMA report on torture and ill treatment of prisoners by Afghan security officials, once again, highlighted massive torture, degrading and inhuman treatment of the prisoners. The Commission’s investigation suggests that the detainees or prisoners have continuously been subjected to systematic torture.
On the other hand, the report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) highlighted a 40% increase in corruption, compared to last two years. The report suggested that the Afghan public paid 4 billion dollars in bribes and this is equal to the annual aid pledged for Afghanistan by the international community during Tokyo conference. In addition, the Transparency International also described the high scale of corruption in Afghanistan security institutions and particularly in the Ministry of Defense.
The Peace Watch Committee as a central coordinating body and the convergence for the civil society institutions in connection with the peace emphasizes on curbing of the both phenomena – which largely leads to violation of the rule of law.
PWC believes that the persistence of armed conflict, torture, corruption and increasing violence have become a serious obstacle to a just and sustainable peace in the country. Therefore, PWC demands from the government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to:
1. Take appropriate measures to control and eradicate corruption and torturer and establish an inclusive oversight mechanism under the authority of the National Assembly of Afghanistan.
2. Since corruption in the security agencies will increase their permeability and thus undermining the national security forces, and results in the killing of innocent people, especially children and women, are; therefore, both the Afghan government and international forces should set up elimination of corruption from the security and defense organizations as an important indicator of the success transition process.
3. Corruption in the judiciary and the justice system – which has the legal obligation to preserve and protect and prevent violations of the rights of peoples and seizure of their property – will lead to the failure of the rule of law. Followed by a dysfunctional legal system and preclude access to justice. Therefore, the government is required as soon as possible to enforce a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating corruption from government departments, particularly from the justice system.
4. Due to the fact that oppression and torture is a worst violation of human dignity, the President as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, is demanded to restore the constitution and human rights, and put an end to torture and abusive treatment of any people, especially during the detention.
5. The National Assembly of Afghanistan is requested not to turn a blind eye towards the rampant corruption and violations of human rights, and represent the people of Afghanistan by making the oversight on reduction of corruption and elimination of torture as its working priorities.
6. It goes without saying, the integrity of the presidential elections and the success of security transition are depended on elimination of corruption. Therefore, curbing corruption from the government can be a tangible indicator of free and sound elections and guarantee successful transfer of power and the legitimacy of the governance, and the government should prove its robust commitment to take this step.
7. We demand the international community and civil society to reinforce their effective and efficient oversight role according to the declaration of the Tokyo conference, to make sure that implementation of the Constitution, rule of law and counter- corruption mechanisms are strengthen and effectively are observed as the government accountabilities.
Also, we as civil society institutions ask the international community, particularly the United Nations and the concerned countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, America and other NATO members to:
A. In haste of getting out of Afghanistan, do not ignore the civilian aspects of transition, particularly in ensuring the provision of good governance and human rights.
B. To support an inclusive, just and sustainable peace and it is the one of the righteous demands of civil society organizations in Afghanistan – particularly the elimination of corruption and torture.
Peace Watch Committee – Media Desk
