Afghanistan Human Rights Center
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Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All Monitoring, defending, and advancing human rights in Afghanistan
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About AHRC

Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All

Mission

The mission of the Afghanistan Human Rights Center is to monitor the human rights situation in Afghanistan and to champion the rights of Afghans, both domestically and abroad. In a country where human rights violations have become increasingly prevalent, the Center's role in documenting, investigating, and reporting these abuses is an urgent need and a crucial task. Its activities are not limited to monitoring; they extend to promoting and protecting human rights, human rights education and robust advocacy, research and awareness-raising missions, aiming to bring accountability and justice to the forefront. The Center serves as a pivotal voice and resource, influencing global advocacy efforts and informing both the international community and the public about the ongoing human rights situation in Afghanistan.

Vision

The vision of the Afghanistan Human Rights Center is rooted in the aspiration for a peaceful, just, and democratic Afghanistan where human rights are not only respected but are an integral part of everyday life. It envisions an Afghanistan where the rule of law is upheld, and all citizens, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or belief, can live in dignity and equality. In this envisioned future, the Center seeks to be a driving force for positive change, contributing to a societal fabric where peace, conflict prevention, and justice are not distant ideals but tangible realities, ensuring a life of dignity and freedom for every Afghan.

At a glance

29Incidents in the record
5Incidents this week
112Awaiting review
9 / 34Provinces covered

all time

Background

How AHRC was founded, and what came before it.

Background

Values

  • Commitment to Human Rights
  • Integrity and Transparency
  • Non-partisanship
  • Gender Equality
  • Inclusivity and Diversity
  • Collaboration and Solidarity
  • Resilience and Adaptability
  • Respect for Human Dignity
  • Nonviolence
  • Justice and Fairness
  • Accountability
  • Do No Harm, Confidentiality and Protection
  • Evidence-Based Inquiry, Reporting and Advocacy

What we do

Monitoring produces the evidence; the other programmes act on it, through legal support, advocacy, and submissions to accountability bodies.

Human Rights Monitoring and Reporting

Regular monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, including civilian casualties and conflict-related violations. Establishing an early warning system for human rights crises.

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Peace and Conflict Resolution

Promoting peace leadership, conflict prevention, and resolution as essential components for human rights protection. Engaging in dialogue and advocacy for sustainable peace and stability.

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Legal Aid and Transitional Justice

Providing legal support to victims of human rights abuses and contributing to transitional justice efforts. Working towards accountability and justice for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

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Freedom of Speech and Minority Rights

Advocating for freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and association, and focusing on the rights of minority groups. Promoting democratic values and protecting the rights of diverse communities.

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Children's Rights

Addressing issues affecting children, including child labor, child abuse, Bacha Bazi, education disruption, displacement, and exploitation. Prioritizing adherence to the CRC and protocols to protect children from conflict-related impacts.

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Women's Rights

Concentrating on the protection and advocacy of women's rights, including combating violence, discrimination, and gender apartheid — violence against women, forced marriage, and harmful practices. Emphasizing the enforcement of international conventions like CEDAW to safeguard women's rights in Afghanistan.

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Leadership

Dr. Sima Samar

Dr. Sima Samar

Chair, Board of Directors

A renowned Afghan physician and human-rights advocate. In 1989 she founded the Shuhada Organization, building hospitals, clinics, and schools for Afghans and refugees with a focus on women and girls. She served as Afghanistan's first Minister of Women's Affairs and as a Deputy Chair (Vice-Chair) of the Afghan Interim Administration, and was the founding Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission from 2002 to 2019. Internationally she served as UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan and on the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement. She is a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award and other major honours, and she chairs the AHRC board.

Mohammad Farid Hamidi

Mohammad Farid Hamidi

Deputy Chair, Board of Directors

Served as the Attorney General of Afghanistan and led the reformation of the Afghan justice sector. A member of the AIHRC and the Emergency Loya Jirga, he also headed the advisory board to the President of Afghanistan on political appointments, ensuring human-rights compliance. He is the Deputy Chair of AHRC.

Mohammad Musa Mahmodi

Mohammad Musa Mahmodi

Executive Director

A renowned human-rights lawyer from Afghanistan who served as Executive Director of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission for over ten years. A 2020 Yale World Fellow and research fellow in law at Yale Law School, he is the Executive Director of AHRC, managing its programs, activities, human resources, and budget.

Get in touch

507 Orange St, Unit 1, New Haven, CT 06511, USA · +1 (475) 300-8202 · hrc.afganistan@gmail.com