Browsing by Subject "Afghanistan"
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    Afghanistan under the Taliban rule: security implications for the region (with a particular focus on the Central Asia)
    ( 2023) Ayobi, Alisina ; Böhm, Martin
    The research paper has the purpose to examine the security implications of the Taliban takeover and the emergence of the IS-K in Afghanistan for the region and Central Asian countries, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Historically, there has been a significant association between the Taliban and Islamic state. The Taliban, who are currently in power in Afghanistan, have not publicly renounced their affiliations with AQ. Nevertheless, the Taliban have given assurances that Afghanistan's territory will not be utilized to harm other nations. There is a significant concern that Afghanistan has transformed into a safe haven for foreign terrorist fighters subsequent to the resurgence of the Taliban. At present, the IS-K, a prominent faction within the broader IS network, is engaged in acts of assault against the de facto government established by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Notably, they are employing similar operational strategies as observed in their activities within the Middle Eastern region. There is the possibility of raise of the third wave terrorism in/from Afghanistan. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis regarding the emergence of the IS-K in Afghanistan, and its security implication to the Central Asia.
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    Assessment of Germany’s Afghanistan policy before and after 15 August 2021
    ( 2023) Ehsas, Ehsan ; Reininghaus, Frank
    Germany has a historical relationship with Afghanistan and this relationship has been with a high level of trust. Since the 9/11 the Germany role in Afghanistan commenced with military engagement and this engagement has been based on the multilateralism approach of German foreign policy. Germany has played a very outstanding role in Afghanistan by hosting the Bonn conference in 2001, then played a crucial role in state building as one of the critical actors in pillar countries, which has ran the police building and police reform. Furthermore, the German development agencies have been active during the 20 years presence of international community and played a significant role in developmental cooperation. Additionally, Germany had a prominent role in the Afghanistan peace process which mediated the negotiation between US and the Taliban also among Afghanistan government and Taliban. After the failure of peace negotiations and the collapse of the Afghanistan government, Germany has been a significant contributor to humanitarian assistance in the Afghanistan crisis.
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    Beyond centralized aid. Community-based approaches in humanitarian action in Afghanistan
    ( 2024) Bandeira, Beatrice : Daudt ; Heintze, Hans-Joachim
    This master’s thesis investigates the primary challenges faced by community-based approaches in humanitarian action and their influence on the effectiveness of aid responses in Afghanistan. Community-based approaches represent a transformative shift towards collaborative efforts that integrate local perspectives and capacities into aid delivery, emphasizing the inherent tension between global standards and the imperative for a nuanced, culturally sensitive understanding of local realities from a more holistic and comprehensive perspective. In contrast to traditional centralized aid frameworks, community-based approaches aim to promote humanitarian aid in a decolonial manner, challenging western-centric or one-size-fits-all responses that emerged post-Cold War under liberal-democratic paradigms. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research conducts an exploratory study, drawing from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including reports, guidelines, and data from organizations such as UNHCR, OCHA, and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), as well as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, International Rescue Committee, and Center for Civilians in Conflict. The study is grounded in a critical-theoretical framework, integrating perspectives from Humanitarian Action studies, Critical Security Studies, and sociological debates on the concept of community and the various social dynamics that constitute it. The investigation seeks to provide insights that advance both theoretical expansion and practical implementation in contemporary humanitarian action, emphasizing responsiveness, inclusivity, and effectiveness in addressing the needs of affected populations in non-western scenarios. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to the debate on the dynamics of community-based approaches in aid initiatives, particularly in contexts affected by non-state armed conflicts. Using Afghanistan as a compelling case study, we analyze the results from the Afghanistan Community Voices and Accountability Platform, based on the 2023 data from the AAP Afghanistan Working Group. The Platform presents feedback results from communities consulted about aid delivery in this region. By doing so, we underscore the need for critical self-reflection within the humanitarian system to refine actions in response to diverse and challenging contemporary emergencies. Keywords: Afghanistan, community engagement, community-based approach, Critical Security Studies, humanitarian action, non-state armed conflicts.
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    Civilian-humanitarian military coordination in the "security grey zone" during the rehabilitation phase of peace operations: bridging (the gaps between) conflicting visions, interests and mandates : a case study of Afghanistan
    ( 2006) Encarnacao, Teresa Dos Santos ; Frerks, Georg
    Civilian-humanitarians and the military involved in rehabilitation operations have different visions, interests and mandates. To what extent do such differences and the security grey zone context – characterised by insecurity, the influence of political interests and the increasing military engagement in activities once deemed the exclusive domain of civilian-humanitarians – hamper the potential for these actors to coordinate efforts to achieve the common goal of ensuring sustainable peace in, and the rehabilitation of, a country? The present research aims at gauging how the relationship between civilianhumanitarians and the military operating in rehabilitation operations in security grey zones can be improved through an effective Civilian-Humanitarian Military Coordination. The thesis concludes that in complex, multidimensional operations, as the one established in Afghanistan, civilian-humanitarians and the military must make a strong commitment to understand each others’ working cultures and mandates, to respect natural institutional differences and operational limitations, and to recognize that many of the problems they face when relating to one another derive from the overall working context. Thus, specific guidelines and models for Civilian-Humanitarian Military Coordination are required for security grey zones in rehabilitation operations. These must be developed and implemented by the responsible institutions and well known by civilian-humanitarians and the military.
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    Conflict resolution and peacebuilding : the case of minorities in Afghanistan
    ( 2023) Kohistani, Mustafa ; Heintze, Hans-Joachim
    In the context of more general international human rights standards, this thesis investigates the situation of minority rights in Afghanistan based on international agreements as well as those that Afghanistan is required to abide by. It primarily focuses on the limitations and challenges that Afghanistan's minority communities have faced both during the leadership of the Taliban and earlier regimes. In order to give a thorough analysis, the research employs a multi-dimensional approach and draws on a thorough review of academic literature, international law documents, reports from human rights groups, and secondary sources. It examines the historical background of minority rights in Afghanistan, focusing on how political upheavals and military wars affect marginalized groups. The thesis studies the treaties, agreements, and declarations that make up the international legal framework for minority rights, emphasizing their importance in advancing inclusion, equality, and nondiscrimination. It evaluates the extent to which these criteria have been applied and upheld in Afghanistan and looks at the obstacles and restrictions that minority groups must overcome in order to exercise their rights. The paper then explores the obstacles minorities in Afghanistan had to overcome under the previous and present Taliban regimes. It looks at topics such as political exclusion, cultural integration, limited access to healthcare and education, low representation in politics, and restrictions on religious freedom. It also looks into how displacement and armed conflict affect minority rights. The results of this study add to the larger conversation over minorities' rights in Afghanistan. It emphasizes the significance of thorough legal systems, inclusive governance frameworks, and proactive steps to safeguard and strengthen minority populations. The thesis offers suggestions for how to create an atmosphere that supports minorities' rights in Afghanistan for decision-makers, civil society groups, and the international community. Keywords: Afghanistan, Minority Rights, inclusiveness, comparative comparison, human rights, Taliban rule, and international norms.
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    Diversity, human rights and federalism: The case of Afghanistan
    (Global Campus Human Rights, 2021) Ahmadi, Ali
    Human rights maintenance in a diverse society has always been a challenging and disputed issue. Governmental systems, both unitary and non-unitary, are similarly faced with the challenge. Afghanistan is a deeply diverse country and there have been massive violations of human rights. This paper explores the questions of whether it is a) possible to strengthen human rights maintenance through legal-political structures inside a culturally and ethnically diversified state such as Afghanistan, and b) justifiable to do this by recognising ethnic diversity at a political-legal level to prevent human rights violations in Afghanistan. By addressing these two questions, the paper considers whether a Federal system is more helpful than unitary systems in an ethno-politically diverse society such as Afghanistan.
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    The EU and election observation missions to Afghanistan, 2004-2014
    ( 2016) Intini, Dario ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope
    The aim of this work is to contextualise and analyse EU Election Observation Missions to Afghanistan for the period 2004-2014. In so doing, I will answer the following research questions: a) What has been the EU's assessment both of the electoral process and the human rights situation surrounding elections in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2014? b) Which hypotheses may be raised to explain the EU's overall assessment of the electoral processes in Afghanistan? Does the assessment of the electoral process in Afghanistan reflect the EU's character both as a normative and strategic actor? This research work is mainly build on the theoretical and analytical framework of Judith G. Kelley and on the systematic study of both the preliminary statements and final reports of the election observation mission. This work suggests that in its election observation missions in Afghanistan, the EU has acted both as a normative and as a strategic actor.
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    Global Campus of Human Rights. Annual Report 2022
    (Global Campus of Human Rights, 2023) Global Campus of Human Rights
    Our Annual Report 2022 celebrates not only the achievements of the seven regional Global Campus Master’s programmes in human rights around the world but also the many other activities (research, professional training, advocacy, emergency support, awareness raising, …) we have developed at our HQ in Venice, in one of ‘our regions’ - Africa, Arab World, Asia-Pacific, Caucasus, Europe, Latin America-Caribbean, South East Europe - or virtually. The Report tells the story of how we organised a conference on mental health designed and led by children and adolescents; confronted human rights scepticism with a new podcast series; launched a training programme for young people to fight mis- and disinformation; supported Afghan human rights defenders; assisted Ukrainian and Myanmarese academics and students; empowered visual media professionals; trained human rights defenders, professionals and civil servants; offered niche MOOCs; and celebrated our incredible Alumni, one of which was murdered because of his activism. All these activities have served the purpose of making our human rights education not only top-notch but also transformational.
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    Hazaras are not Muslim. You can kill them. It is not a sin. A comparative study of the persecution of Hazaras under the first and second Taliban regimes in Afghanistan
    ( 2024) Rezai, Hussain ; De Stefani, Paolo
    This research examined the persecution of Hazaras under the first Taliban regime (1996-2001) and the second Taliban regime (August 2021-present) in Afghanistan. By applying an eight-matrix framework, the study aimed to determine whether there were changes or continuity in the Taliban’s persecution of Hazaras between the two periods. Findings reveal that the persecution of Hazaras, encompassing political marginalization, massacre, summary execution, economic marginalization, discrimination in access to humanitarian aid, forced displacement, targeting of Hazara women with additional layers of religious and ethnic discrimination, restrictions on Shia religion, and the destruction of cultural heritage, has remained consistent, systematic, and widespread, with some nuanced and cosmetic changes or adaptations in the form, scale, frequency, and tactics of persecution under the second regime. The Taliban's core ideology and intentions regarding the Hazaras remain fundamentally unchanged. The minor changes or adaptions were influenced by international pressures, the lack of Hazara military resistance, the Taliban's desire for legitimacy, and transformations in post-2001 Afghanistan. This research contributes to the academic discourse on ethnic and religious persecution, offering detailed insights for policymakers, human rights organizations, and scholars. The findings underscore the urgent need for continued advocacy to protect the Hazaras in Afghanistan.
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    Human rights preparedness and protracted ongoing emergencies
    (Global Campus Human Rights, 2022) Annamalai, Visalaakshi
    The terms “emergency” and “refugee” often conjure up images of short-term crises quickly resolved by one-off aid efforts and people who will be able to return home at some stage in the near future. However, many emergencies around the world continue for decades and those fleeing them struggle to exist in conditions totally unsuited for the long haul. In Asia Pacific alone, Afghanistan, Tibet and Sri Lanka are all suffering ongoing long-term emergencies with tens of thousands of citizens bringing up new generations in exile: many are denied basic human rights such as citizenship, education and the ability to make a living in their host countries, not to mention the steady erosion of their cultures and traditions. With economic crashes and climate change amongst the many reasons people may flee their countries of origin in order to survive, this article recommends that the global community broadens its definition of refugees and imaginatively redesigns its approach to human rights preparedness in face of ever-increasing movement of peoples migrating from varied and complex long-term emergencies.
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    Humanitarian assistance and the military intervention: the Afghanistan case
    ( 2009) Rodrigues, Ana : Matoso ; Fischer, Horst
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    Impartiality and independence of humanitarian organizations in environments controlled by non-state armed groups. A case study of Afghanistan post-2021
    ( 2024) Sekandari, Rosita ; Grigaitė-Daugirdė, Gabija
    The increasing prevalence of non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in contemporary conflicts poses significant challenges for humanitarian organizations, particularly in maintaining the principles of impartiality and independence. This thesis explores the implications of these principles for humanitarian operations in NSAG-controlled environments, with a focus on Afghanistan post-2021. Utilizing a qualitative analysis of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) frameworks, including Common Article 3 (CA3) and Additional Protocol II (AP II), the study examines the legal, ethical, operational, and political challenges faced by humanitarian organizations. The findings emphasize that adherence to the principles of impartiality and independence is crucial, especially in contexts where legal clarity and unified approaches are lacking. These principles not only guide humanitarian actions but also help secure the cooperation of NSAGs and ensure the effective delivery of aid. Moreover, the research highlights the necessity for context-based, principled compromises to maintain the long-term effectiveness and integrity of humanitarian operations. The case study of Afghanistan provides detailed insights and practical recommendations, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones and offering actionable solutions to enhance adherence to humanitarian principles in NSAG-controlled territories.
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    Policy Research on Children Deprived of Liberty in the Administration of Justice in South Asia
    (Kathmandu School of Law, 2022) Vyas, Ravi Prakash ; Karunan, Victor Prasad ; Kanel, Pranjali ; Kharel, Anusha
    The Policy Research on Children Deprived of Liberty in the Administration of Justice in South Asia is the first of its kind as comprehensive research on children deprived of liberty in South Asia. The research is conducted to assess the amplitude of the occurrence of children deprived of liberty and the administration of justice in South Asian countries. It was based on the UN Study on Children Deprived of Liberty that provides an overview of the situation of children deprived of liberty worldwide and sets out clear recommendations for change and includes positive examples from a range of countries.
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    The dire human rights situation under the rule of the Taliban
    (Global Campus Human Rights, 2021) Rezai, Hussain
    The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. After their takeover, they announced their commitment to respecting human rights within an Islamic framework. Now that the Taliban have been in power for a year, it is possible to provide a picture of what the Taliban’s stance continues to be on topics such as human rights. This time period gives us evidence to assess their putative statements and expression of commitment to the people and the international community. To what extent have the Taliban 2.0 implemented the commitments and promises regarding human rights which they made to the people of Afghanistan and the international community?
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    The good Ukrainian, the bad Syrian, the ugly Afghan (and the forgotten ones) : reframing migration governance through Michel Foucault’s and Hannah Arendt’s legacies
    ( 2023) Fagard, Clarisse ; Finlay, Graham
    The war raging in Ukraine compels more than ever to confront the impasses and divergences of current migration policies. The present study provides a philosophical perspective on the refugee status and seeks to address the contradictions inherent to the latter policies. By drawing upon four major refugee movements, it reviews the emergency responses deployed in their wake, exposing asylum policy inequities and differential treatment of refugees on the basis of their situation. Building on the work of Michel Foucault and Hannah Arendt, the study delves into the concepts of governmentality, power, subjectivity, agency, biopower and biopolitics. Through the interlacing of the two authors' perspectives, the paper will attempt to reveal subtle connections and suggest avenues for reflection on the paradoxes and problems inherent in their respective theories. The thesis comprises four parts, which successively explore the notion of biopower and its applicability to refugees, the concept of biopolitics and the influence on migration policies, Deleuze and Guattari's enlightenments to a revisited appreciation of biopolitics, and lastly the constructing of a political space of resistance for refugees. Through a theoretical approach and an exploration of key concepts such as refugees, migrants, asylum, freedom, and citizenship, it is hoped to raise reflexive stances on current dilemmas among policymakers in the migration field. The study further proposes a forward-looking approach to exploring alternative representations of refugees, possibly aimed at shifting migratory policies.
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    The Good Ukrainian, the Bad Syrian, the Ugly Afghan (and the Forgotten Ones). Reframing Migration Governance through Michel Foucault’s and Hannah Arendt’s Legacies
    (Global Campus of Human Rights, 2023) Fagard, Clarisse ; Finlay, Graham
    The war raging in Ukraine compels more than ever to confront the impasses and divergences of current migration policies. The present study provides a philosophical perspective on the refugee status and seeks to address the contradictions inherent to the latter policies. By drawing upon four major refugee movements, it reviews the emergency responses deployed in their wake, exposing asylum policy inequities and differential treatment of refugees on the basis of their situation. Building on the work of Michel Foucault and Hannah Arendt, the study delves into the concepts of governmentality, power, subjectivity, agency, biopower and biopolitics. Through the interlacing of the two authors’ perspectives, the paper will attempt to reveal subtle connections and suggest avenues for reflection on the paradoxes and problems inherent in their respective theories. The thesis comprises four parts, which successively explore the notion of biopower and its applicability to refugees, the concept of biopolitics and the influence on migration policies, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s enlightenments to a revisited appreciation of biopolitics, and lastly the constructing of a political space of resistance for refugees. Through a theoretical approach and an exploration of key concepts such as refugees, migrants, asylum, freedom and citizenship, it is hoped to raise reflexive stances on current dilemmas among policymakers in the migration field. The study further proposes a forward-looking approach to exploring alternative representations of refugees, possibly aimed at shifting migratory policies.
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    The Taliban and the right to education in Afghanistan : assessing the implications of the takeover by the Taliban in 2021 on the right to education
    ( 2022) Haidary, Najiba ; Heschl, Lisa
    In general, the right to education is counted as a fundamental right for everyone and mainly for children. Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 “the full development of the human personality and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms “is the goal of the right to education. this right is not only important as an individual but as a group in order to ensure the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom. This thesis will talk about the policy implications of the right to education under the de facto government of the Taliban, which came to power on August 15, 2021. Although the age of the de facto government is short, and yet, the government is still not recognized as an independent state by the international community to expect them to consider of full realization of the right to education, the thesis will aim to assess if the last two decades achievements on primary and secondary education are protected, supported, and further built upon them by the de facto authorities of Taliban. In total three main chapters, I will assess the right to education in international law, the realization of the right to education by former governments during 2001-2021 for primary and secondary education, and the de facto authorities’ current policy and priorities on protecting the made achievements on the right to education. On the ongoing situation of the de facto government, the thesis will consider the period from August 2021- July 2022.
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    Winning peace or winning hearts and minds : the role of provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan
    ( 2015) Macenowicz, Marcin Ernest ; Brzoska, Michael
    The thesis is dedicated to foreign involvement in the Afghanistan war, the initial phase of defeating the Taliban in 2001-200, asymmetric warfare that followed when the Taliban switched to insurgency tactics and finally the post-conflict reconstruction and reestablishment of an effective government. The main focus is on the last phase and the efforts of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams. They executed projects that helped rebuild the country and introduce democratic rule but also some carried out projects that contributed to counterinsurgency. Hence, the research question of this thesis is: “Did the Provincial Reconstruction Teams contribute to peace process in Afghanistan or were they only a part of counterinsurgency strategy?” The dissertation discusses both concepts, their characteristic features and various interpretations. It also provides an overview of the conflict and the reasons behind it. Attention is also given to the opposing sides of the conflict, the insurgents as well as the international and domestic forces. Finally, it describes the details of the PRT concept and its implementation. Analysis is carried out by comparing this narrative with previously described theories. While no unequivocal answer is obtained the thesis provides valuable insight into the peace process in the biggest and longest conflict of the 21st century.