Executive Summary:
Despite modern state building and good governance efforts began in 2001 in Afghanistan, traditional ways of conflict resolution, particularly those related to social issues are widely being practiced in the country. Some of these practices have positive impacts and are effective in finding solution to social disputes. However, number of them are harmful traditions in practice that are thought to be significantly resistant to the social development of the country. One of such harmful traditions is the practice of BAD that takes place in some parts of Afghanistan. BAD is the practice of trading a female member in marriage as means towards peaceful resolution of conflicts in cases that are involved with murder or any form of perceived affront to one’s honor a form of blood price. The practice of BAD forms one of the most egregious categories of violence against women in Afghanistan. BAD allows communities or families to settle crimes such as murder, in theory to restore peace and order between the conflicting parties, by transferring punishment for the crime to a woman or girl. The “honor” of the aggrieved family is “restored” through punishing the woman for a crime she did not commit. This tradition is a clear indicator of strong patriarchal settings in parts of Afghanistan where it is practiced. It adds significantly to the very many challenges the Afghan women face. As Afghanistan enters a new phase in its governance and state-building endeavors, a focus on effective dealing and struggle against such negative social traditions can help the government tackle the issue rather effectively. CSOs and NGOs could further deploy their resources and capacities towards eradication of such harmful traditions and making them part of history. For tracking some harmful and fierce disputes, there is an urgent need of orchestration among Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and department of justice and judiciaries to track such cases.
This study examines the extent of BAD practice, historical changes, and the root causes of its presence across Afghanistan, while its main focus remain on some districts of Kabul, Parwan and Panjsher provinces. It includes the views of social experts, local formal and informal officials, main village gatekeepers and ordinary people.
Download Full Report HERE: Research Draft 21 Oct 2014 (3) (1)
