KABUL - Leading presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday stressed the need for credible, impartial and accountable legal institutions to implement transitional justice in the country.
In response questions from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), Abdullah promised to reinforce the judicial system if he won next year’s presidential ballot.
On Dec. 3, AIHRC put 17 key queries to presidential runners regarding security forces’ accountability, rights of women, children and refugees, transitional justice and prisoner torture. The candidates were asked to submit their answers to the commission until Jan. 2.
If elected, Abdullah said he would introduce a system of punishment and reward to ensure accountability of security personnel. He would also consult the rights watchdog on relevant issues.
Misbehavior with civilians was a clear human rights violation, he acknowledged, pledging to exercise his constitutional power to curb the practice. “I’ll focus on enhancing cultural education of police, particularly the Afghan Local Police, and prepare them for accountability.”
He identified the protection of citizens’ lives, properties and dignity as one of his duties. He would honor human rights both in war and peacetime, vowed the National Coalition of Afghanistan (NCA) leader.
“I will provide security on the one hand and introduce a culture of respect for human rights within the constitutional framework on the other,” he said, adding provincial prosecutors would be empowered to curb violence against women.
Dissatisfied with the current number of policewomen, the ex-foreign minister said he would encourage the recruit of females into the force. He would also take effective measures to end forced and underage marriage and improve the overall situation of women.
The NCA leader said he would outline a realistic plan for peace negotiations with militants, an initiative that would usher in a positive change. He will seek expert opinion on how to negotiate peace with the insurgents.
Condemning torture of prisoners as a brutal act, Abdullah said all human beings had equal rights. Under no circumstances, he would brook abuse of inmates and work together with rights organisations to address the issue.
He said defending children rights and providing them education and healthcare services were among his priorities. His other goals are to focus on improving security, education, national development and public welfare programs.
He said the protection of Afghan refugees’ rights, especially children’s rights, would be an important item on his agenda. (Pajhwok)