Amnesty International Calls for Full Scope in UN Afghanistan Justice Mechanism

DID Press: UNHRC has adopted a resolution to establish an independent mechanism to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence of crimes and human rights violations in Afghanistan — a move Amnesty International hailed as a “historic moment on the path to justice.”

Amnesty International said the newly approved resolution mark a turning point in the fight against impunity for millions of victims and survivors in Afghanistan, whose suffering spans more than four decades of conflict and violence.

The organization stressed, however, that the mechanism’s success depends on a comprehensive approach that examines violations committed both before and after August 2021. This includes targeted attacks by Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other armed groups, as well as potential breaches of international law by former Afghanistan security forces, foreign military troops, and other actors.

Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnès Callamard welcomed the Council’s decision, saying: “The establishment of this mechanism is only the beginning. States must ensure that it is equipped with the necessary resources and powers to deliver justice for victims.”

The UN Human Rights Council on Monday adopted a draft resolution creating the new independent body to investigate alleged crimes against humanity in Afghanistan.