KABUL - The European Union (EU) acknowledged progress made by Afghanistan in areas concerning human rights, good governance and migration.
The EU reaffirmed its continued support both politically and in terms of financial assistance to Afghanistan in the mentioned areas at the first meeting of “the EU-Afghanistan Special working Group on Human Rights, Good Governance and Migration” in Kabul.
The huddle represented enhanced step in the EU-Afghanistan bilateral relations in the framework of the Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development (CAPD), the EU delegation in Kabul said in a statement.
“Under this agreement both sides had a frank dialogue about important topics related to human rights, good governance and migration.”
The EU acknowledged the progress Afghanistan made in certain areas and reaffirmed its continued support both politically and in terms of financial assistance.
The discussions were held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. The EU side recognized the ongoing efforts being made by the government of Afghanistan to ensure the increased protection of human rights and promote good governance.
Topics for discussion ranged from women’s and children’s rights to the freedom of expression and the protection of Human Rights Defenders (HRD) and from the treatment of socially vulnerable people to the prevention of torture and ill-treatment.
While Afghanistan made progress in putting mechanism in place for minimizing the use of the death penalty, the EU recalled its principled opposition to the death penalty and stressed the importance of Afghanistan instating a moratorium on execution as first step towards abolition.
Afghanistan gave an update on the implementation of its National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
The EU stressed the need for provision of the law on preventing the Violence Against Women (EVAW) to be fully implemented.
The implementation of the National Action Plan to Eliminate Early and Child Marriages was also underlined as priority.
Participants also discussed ways to eliminate child labor and the need to continue promoting education at all levels across the country.
The EU commended Afghanistan for the accession to important UN human rights conventions and encouraged their speedy implantation.
The meeting took note of the first developments aimed at ensuring an independent, accountable and professional judiciary for upholding democratic principles, protecting human rights and ensuring justice through fair trial and due process,.
On the situation of Human Rights Defenders in Afghanistan concrete steps to enhance their protection were discussed.
On the issue of the fight against corruption, the Afghan side reaffirmed its commitment to continue implementing the Anticorruption Strategy, which the EU side committed to continue to support.
With regard to the parliamentary and district council election scheduled for October 20 and presidential elections in 2019, both sides agreed on the necessity for a timely, inclusive and transparent process.
An increase participation of women as voters and candidates should be particularly supported. (Pajhwok)