Remarks by Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Michael H. Posner

As Delivered - February 7, 2013

I am very pleased to be back in Afghanistan. Over the last three days in Kabul and Jalalabad, I have had a series of very informative, productive meetings with government officials and with members of Afghan civil society, including religious leaders, journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists, including brave defenders of women's rights. I also participated in the U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Commission Working Group on "Promoting Shared Democratic Values," which I co-chair. The working group, created by Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Rassoul last October, builds on our strategic partnership agreement. It seeks to identify and advance concrete measures to support the mutual accountability framework agreed upon in Tokyo by the Afghan government and the international community.

As President Obama noted after his recent meeting with President Karzai there have been a range of improvements in the security situation in Afghanistan, including a greatly expanded assumption of authority and responsibility by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). This month, in conjunction with the fourth tranche of transition, the ANSF is expected to have the lead role in securing nearly 90% of the Afghan population. As Afghanistan assumes full responsibility for its security, the upcoming presidential election in April 2014 constitutes a crucial milestone. In my discussions here, I have heard many Afghans' aspiration for a free, fair, inclusive, and democratic process - which is essential for a credible election, and which the United States fully supports. Credible elections are a shared responsibility for a democratic society, and electoral institutions, the government, political parties, media, civil society, and citizens alike need to work together to ensure an outcome accepted by all Afghans. We also support a strong Independent Election Commission, including a neutral and credible Chairman, best achieved through an inclusive and consultative selection process mandated by law.

We welcome the government's ongoing work, through the High Peace Council (HPC), to advance an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process. We all recognize that if such a process succeeds it will be the surest way to end the violence, ensure stability, and ultimately build a sustainable democratic future for Afghanistan.

This is a very important transitional period for Afghanistan - a time when friends of the Afghan government and people need to speak honestly about the remaining challenges, and then to stand with Afghans as they work to address their problems. We see three sets of human rights concerns. First are issues relating to building democracy and ensuring a fair and inclusive elections process in 2014. Second are issues relating to the process of peace and reconciliation, and to ensuring that women and other vulnerable groups have the constitutional protections they deserve in the course of this process. Finally there are important issues relating to security policies and practices.

With respect to the electoral process and the 2014 presidential elections, a number of civil society activists and government representatives with whom we met focused on the need for parliament to act quickly and in consultation with all interested stakeholders to adopt a new electoral law and a companion law that would define the electoral dispute resolution mechanism. They also view the appointment of a new chair for the Independent Election Commission as a key litmus test. Finally, they spoke of the need to expand public engagement and civic education to encourage broader and more inclusive voter participation next year, and for there to be active election monitoring.

Regarding the peace and reconciliation process, while there is wide recognition of the importance of this work, many with whom we spoke expressed concern that the process itself needs to involve more consultation with women and a diverse group of people from communities across the country. There is also a widespread desire - which we share - that as this process takes shape, it must protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, including women and those from other vulnerable groups. President Karzai and President Obama both recognized that the High Peace Council should be the only body negotiating peace with the armed opposition. This makes it essential that the Council continue to work to live up to its mandate to represent the voices of all Afghans. It is critical that it conducts meaningful and regularized outreach to Afghan civil society.

As Afghans continue to face many threats to their personal security - from the Taliban and other violent elements - the government should seek to advance a rights-based approach to national security. Effective security practices and respect for core human rights principles go hand in hand. Official accountability on a wide range of subjects enhances public confidence in government. The government's appointment of a committee to examine allegations of coercive detention practices contained in a recent UNAMA report provides a good opportunity to investigate these allegations and to take remedial measures.

While these challenges are constant and formidable, we recognize the sacrifices that are being made each day by the Afghan people to move the country forward, and that considerable progress is being achieved. Lasting change can only come from within a society. The United States remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and to working with others in the international community to help Afghans - government and civil society - promote a sustainable democracy that will be the basis for stability and security in Afghanistan, and for our countries' enduring partnership.