New Voice in Afghanistan
A new radio programme in Afghanistan treats human rights problems in the wake of 25 years of massive violation – and 18 presidential candidates to account for their future actions for the promotion of human rights in Afghanistan.
A new radio programme on human rights is on air in Afghanistan. Every Friday in prime time all Afghans can tune into “The Voice,” which runs for 30 minutes once a week. The first month’s programmes cover issues like the role of civil society in democratisation, the right to vote as well as domestic violence and women’s rights.
– It was great to be there, when we went on air for the first time in Kabul three weeks ago, says Malek Sitez, project manager at the Danish Institute for Human Rights and one of the architects behind the “The Voice.”
– Our first programme was a round table discussion about human rights problems in Afghanistan. It might not sound groundbreaking, but in Afghanistan there is no tradition of open discussion about the States role in relation to problems in society says Malek Sitez adding:
– The reactions were overwhelming – never before had people heard an open conversation between the State and civil soviety. They said it was like having gained a new voice of their own.
On that first programme were i.a. a representative for Afghanistans Human Rights Commission, a leading author and defendant of human rights as well as an official from Afghanistans Ministry of Information and Culture.
The aim of the new radio programme is to raise awareness and understanding of human rights in Afghanistan. For 25 years the Afghans have lived through war, civil war, ethnic conflict and most recently the Taleban, which were toppeled in 2001. For 25 years the Afghans have experienced massive violations of their rights in the name of various political ideologies.
– We hope that ”The Voice” will contribute to a new culture of human rights – a shove towards rule of law, so that the Afghans can face a safe future, says Malek Sitez, recently returned to Copenhagen from Kabul.
While in Afghanistan Malek Sitez also took part in a founding general assembly in Kabul of a new Afghan organisation, Civil Society & Human Rights Network (CSHRN). The Network consists of 25 human rights NGOs with various focus; e.g. Women’s rights, children’s rights, the right to education, etc.
One of the first events to be arranged by CSHRN is a grand meeting at the University of Kabul with 18 presidential candidates for the election in October. The candidates will account for how they – if elected – intend to incorporate human rights in their governance.
Also attending will be 30 prominent academics specialising in human rights, 30 students of journalism as well as representatives from all free media in Kabul.
The Danish Institute for Human Rights has contributed to the radio programme “The Voice,” to the founding of Civil Society Human Rights Network as well as the grand meeting with the presidential candidates through capacity building in Afghanistans civil society.
In the process Afghans have attended courses in Denmark, and DIHR-staff of various fields – such as law, education and similar activities in other countries – have visited Afghanistan. The projects in Afghanistan are funded by Danida.
Should you wish to know more about The Danish Institute for Human Rights activities in Afghanistan please contact Malek Sitez: 32 69 88 12, 27 28 29 41 or: [email protected]
Mette Holm, Information Officer, The Danish Institute for Human Rights, Strandgade 56, 1401 Copenhagen K. Tel 32 69 88 88. Fax: 32 69 88 00. Website www.humanrights.dk
