03.2004 - Source: UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Continued complaints against local commanders related to intimidation of Loya Jirga delegates ("Asian and Pacific region: Quarterly reports of field offices. Period covered: November 2003 to February 2004") [#20586],  [ID 292]

"[...]UNAMA and AIHRC continue to receive various complaints against many local commanders related to abuses such as extortion, illegal detention, intimidation, and forced occupation of lands and houses. Monitoring of the CLJ process by the AIHRC and UNAMA created some minimum conditions for delegates to participate in the Loya Jirga with less fear. For many delegates, who came from various parts of the country, there was fear that when they returned they would face intimidation and threats to their life from local commanders and others who are in power in their home areas. Continuous assurances by UNAMA and AIHRC that they will continue to monitor the situation gave sufficient assurance for some delegates to participate independently. UNAMA is following up cases of intimidation of CLJ delegates after the Loya Jirga.

Malalaye Joya, the CLJ delegate for Farah province, made a speech against the Jihadi leaders for their past violations that created headlines locally and internationally. Although there was tremendous intimidation during the Loya Jirga, she managed to stay and participate in the process with protection and support from UNAMA and the AIHRC. She has returned to Farah where there have been occasional reports of threats and intimidation. UNAMA is liaising with the Farah Police to make sure that Ms. Joya is being protected and the local police has shown commitment in doing so.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

08.01.2004 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Afghanistan's constitution contains new human rights provisions and mandates better political representation of women ("Constitutional Process Marred by Abuses") [#18582],  [ID 293]

"[...] Human Rights Watch was concerned about the political intimidation and vote-buying that took place before and during the convention. The abuses proved that warlords and local factions continue to dominate Afghanistan's political processes. [...]
The new constitution was approved January 4 by 502 delegates at a special constitutional loya jirga, or "grand council," mandated under the Bonn Agreement. The meeting began December 14. During elections for delegates to the convention, Human Rights Watch documented numerous cases of death threats and corruption, and a general atmosphere of intimidation at election sites. U.N. officials told Human Rights Watch that many of the elected delegates to the convention were proxies or allies of local factional leaders. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

17.12.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

A female delegate of the Constitutional Loya Jirga threatened with violence and expulsion ("Afghanistan: Threats of expulsion of Loya Jirga delegate unacceptable") [#18294],  [ID 294]

Document(s): Open document

15.12.2003 - Source: BBC News

Delegates from across Afghanistan are debating a new constitution: parliamentary system vs. strong presidency; threats of Taliban ("Afghans debate new constitution") [#18192],  [ID 295]

Document(s): Open document