Een maand geleden werden door de UNHCR de Eligibility Guidelines gepubliceerd over de situatie in Afghanistan. “23% meer burgerslachtoffers”, kopten sommige kranten, zij het klein en niet op de voorpagina. En daarna verdween het UNHCR rapport weer van het media-toneel, alsof dat de enige nieuwswaardige informatie uit het rapport was. De situatie is niet ‘een beetje verslechterd’, de situatie is dramatisch. Het lijkt er op dat informatie hierover uit het zicht van de publieke opinie wordt gehouden; logisch misschien, vanuit overheidsperspectief. Hoe zou een staatssecretaris, de IND en de Dienst Terugkeer en Vertrek moeten verkopen dat Afghaanse vluchtelingen geweigerd en zelfs en masse gedeporteerd worden als we weten wat de werkelijkheid in Afghanistan is?
De cijfers uit het UNHCR rapport geven een helder beeld van de rauwe en bijzonder reële hel in Afghanistan. Maar voor wie door de cijfers heen kan lezen, geeft het rapport niet alleen een ‘helder beeld’. Per slot van rekening zijn de cijfers alleen de getalsmatige weergave, maar schuilt er achter ieder cijfer een mens. Met een eigen verhaal, met ouders of kinderen, met trauma’s, met het onnoemelijk lijden van een verwoest leven.
Alstublieft.
Bij deze de cijfers.
Doden en gewonden
- In de tweede helft van 2012 steeg het aantal burgerslachtoffers met 13 procent. In de eerste helft van 2013 waren er 3.852 burgerslachtoffers door conflicten. Dat is een stijging van 23 procent vergeleken met dezelfde periode in 2012 en het komt neer op gemiddeld 21 burgerslachtoffers per dag;i
- In 2012 waren er minder grondgevechten tussen anti-overheidsgroepen (AGE’s) en overheidstroepen, maar waren er beduidend meer op burgers gerichte aanvallen door AGE’s. Het aantal burgerslachtoffers door gerichte aanvallen verdubbelde in vergelijking met 2011. Deze stijging zette door in de eerste helft van 2013 met een toename van 29 procent vergeleken met dezelfde periode in 2012.ii
- In 2012 vonden 868 burgers de dood en raakten 1663 burgers gewond door bomaanslagen – 34 procent van het totale aantal burgerslachtoffers. In de eerste zes maanden van 2013 was er een toename van 34 procent van het aantal burgerslachtoffers door bomaanslagen vergeleken met dezelfde periode in 2012. Verreweg de meeste bomaanslagen waarbij burgerslachtoffers vielen, waren niet gericht op militaire doelen, maar juist op locaties waar veel burgers zijn: wegen, markten, overheidskantoren, scholen, winkels en busstations.iii
- Zelfmoordaanslagen en complexe aanvallen door AGE’s op markten, bruiloften, overheidskantoren en bijeenkomsten veroorzaakten in 2012 in totaal 1507 burgerslachtoffers. Hoewel het aantal burgerslachtoffers door zelfmoordaanslagen in de eerste helft van 2013 daalde met 24 procent vergeleken met dezelfde periode in 2012, steeg het aantal doden en gewonden door complexe aanvallen met 57 procent (en is zelfs verachtvoudigd sinds 2011).iv
- Bermbommen en landmijnen blijven een grote impact hebben op de Afghaanse burgerbevolking, omdat veel van deze bommen en mijnen zich in gemeenschapsplaatsen bevinden, waardoor de toegang tot bijvoorbeeld zorg en onderwijs ernstig belemmerd wordt en er een constante dreiging van ernstige verwondingen, dood en vernietiging van eigendommen in stand wordt gehouden.v
- In de eerste helft van 2013 is er een toename van 61 procent van het aantal burgerslachtoffers door incidenten veroorzaakt door de Afghaanse lokale politie, vergeleken met de eerste helft van 2012.vi
- Over diezelfde periodes is er een stijging van 18 procent te zien wat betreft het aantal geweldsincidenten naar of directe aanvallen op scholen of onderwijzend personeel. In de eerste zes maanden van 2013 werden er gemiddeld drie scholen per twee weken aangevallen.vii
- Het aantal geregistreerde gevallen van bedreiging, intimidatie en onderdrukking van burgers door anti-overheidsgroepen is in de eerste helft van 2013 verdubbeld in vergelijking met dezelfde periode in 2012.viii
- Anti-overheidsgroepen voeren systematisch aanvallen uit die gericht zijn op burgers die bij de overheid, humanitaire organisaties of ontwikkelingswerk betrokken zijn. In de eerste zes maanden vielen er bij dit soort aanvallen 312 doden en 131 gewonden, een toename ten opzichte van dezelfde periode in 2012.ix
- Het aantal gerichte moorden en mishandelingen in 2012 van burgers in dienst van de Afghaanse overheid is verzevenvoudigd in vergelijking met 2011. Ook in de eerste helft van 2013 was er een toename van dergelijke gerichte aanvallen te zien.x
- Eind juni 2013 ligt het aantal interne vluchtelingen op 574.327, maar in werkelijkheid ligt het aantal interne ontheemden veel hoger, omdat bij deze cijfers niet de ontheemden in steden, krottenwijken of afgelegen/onbereikbare gebieden werden gerekend.xi
Detentie
- Marteling en mishandeling van conflict-gerelateerde gedetineerden komt veelvuldig voor. De gevangenissen zijn overvol en periodes van voorarrest beslaan normaal gesproken al drie maanden of langer. Gedetineerden hebben slecht toegang tot juridische hulp.xii
- Het aantal meisjes en vrouwen gedetineerd voor feiten die als ‘morele misdaden’ worden beschouwd is tussen oktober 2011 en mei 2013 met vijftig procent gestegen. ‘Morele misdaden’ zijn gedragingen die strijdig met de sharia wetgeving of met de traditionele gebruiken worden beschouwd. Hieronder valt ook het niet passend begeleid zijn in het openbaar, het weigeren van een huwelijk of ‘weglopen van huis’ (ook in situaties van huiselijk geweld).xiii
- Kinderen die door de Afghaanse overheid verdacht worden van betrokkenheid bij anti-overheidsgroepen, kunnen in detentie vast worden gehouden. Uit rapporten blijkt dat deze kinderen in detentie te maken krijgen marteling, mishandeling, elektrische shocks, seksueel geweld en dreiging met seksueel geweld.xiv
Geweld tegen meisjes en vrouwen
- Geweld tegen vrouwen en meisjes is wijd verspreid en het aantal geregistreerde geweldsincidenten neemt toe. Daders van geweldsincidenten tegen vrouwen en meisjes blijven meestal onbestraft. In de laatste zes maanden van 2012 is er een toename van 22 procent van het aantal geweldsdelicten tegen vrouwen en meisjes in vergelijking met dezelfde periode in 2011, maar veel van de geweldsdelicten worden niet gemeld en blijven dus ongeregistreerd.xv
- De VN stelt vast dat seksueel geweld tegen vrouwen in Afghanistan wijd verspreid is. Onder dit geweld valt bijvoorbeeld ook eerwraak, ontvoering, verkrachting, gedwongen abortus en huiselijk geweld.xvi
- Als er sprake is van huiselijk geweld of gedwongen huwelijken, worden vrouwen vaak veroordeeld en gedetineerd, terwijl mannen die hiervoor verantwoordelijk zijn onbestraft blijven.xvii
- Bij zestig tot tachtig procent van de huwelijken in Afghanistan is er sprake van een gedwongen huwelijk. Bij vijftien procent van de huwelijken wordt het meisje al uitgehuwelijkt op de leeftijd van vijftien jaar. Bijna de helft van de Afghaanse vrouwen wordt uitgehuwelijkt als ze achttien zijn.xviii
- Het aantal doden door eerwraak stijgt. In het UNHCR rapport worden verschillende voorbeelden van slachtoffers van eerwraak gegeven, waarbij het slachtoffers levend begraven werden, onthoofd werden of door vaders of broers vermoord werden. In één van de geregistreerde gevallen was er sprake van een meisje van veertien jaar oud.xix Het UNHCR stelt ook dat verreweg de meeste gevallen van dood door eerwraak niet geregistreerd worden.xx
- De traditie van betaling van een bruidsschat maakt dat meisjes afkomstig uit arme families vaak al in de leeftijd van zes tot zeven jaar uitgehuwelijkt worden. Hoewel officieel het feitelijke huwelijk dan uitgesteld zou moeten worden totdat het meisje de huwbare leeftijd heeft bereikt, blijkt dat onderzoek dat dat uitstel zelden gerespecteerd wordt en dat deze jonge bruiden veelvuldig het slachtoffer zijn van seksueel misbruik door volwassen leden van de familie van de bruidegom. Er zijn gevallen bekend waarin meisjes die op negen- en elfjarige leeftijd werden uitgehuwelijkt zelfmoordpogingen door zelfverbranding deden. Jong uitgehuwelijkte meisjes worden ook uitgesloten van onderwijs, door de wet die schoolgang van gehuwelijkten verbiedt.xxi
Kinderen
- Het aantal kinderen dat gedwongen wordt gerekruteerd door anti-overheidsgroepen stijgt en de AGE’s zetten ook in toenemende mate kinderen in bij zelfmoordaanslagen, door geld te beloven of ze tot zelfmoordaanslagen te dwingen. Het komt ook voor dat kinderen explosieven dragen zonder te weten dat het om explosieven gaat. Anti-overheidsgroepen zetten kinderen in om landmijnen te plaatsen, wapens en uniforms te smokkelen en voor verkennersactiviteiten. Uit rapporten blijkt dat de AGE’s kinderen ook seksueel misbruiken.xxii
- Kinderarbeid blijft wijdverspreid in Afghanistan, inclusief dwangarbeid, drugssmokkel en prostitutie.xxiii Dertig procent van de kinderen onder de twaalf worden ingezet bij kinderarbeid. Meer dan 1 miljoen kinderen onder de veertien werkt.xxiv In Kabul werken naar schatting tussen de 50.000 en de 60.000 kinderen op straat.xxv
- Kindermishandeling is wijd verspreid en het aantal geregistreerde gevallen neemt toe. Fysieke mishandeling, seksueel misbruik, verlating en verwaarlozing komen in heel Afghanistan veelvuldig voor. Seksueel misbruik van kinderen is frequent. De daders kunnen familieleden zijn (met name bij meisjes), leden van overheidstroepen zoals politie en leger (meisjes en jongens) en anti-overheidsgroepen (vooral jongens). Jonge jongens lopen veelvuldig het risico om slachtoffer te worden van bachi baazi, een praktijk waarbij minderjarige jongens verkocht worden aan vermogende of invloedrijke personen en als seksslaaf gebruikt te worden. Het aantal slachtoffers van bacha baazi neemt toe.xxvi
- In 2011 waren er 100 geregistreerde gevallen van kinderverkrachting alleen al in Kabul. Verslagen uit andere provincies noteerden 470 gevallen van kinderverkrachting in datzelfde jaar, maar het totale (ongeregistreerde) aantal ligt waarschijnlijk veel hoger.xxvii
Conclusie
Als de situatie in Afghanistan in de politiek, de media of de publieke opinie ter sprake komt, dan gaat het vaak over de inzet van het Nederlandse leger in Afghanistan of over de duur van de missie. Berichten over de veiligheidssituatie voor de burgers zelf dringen slechts sporadisch door in de media, laat staan berichten over schendingen van de mensenrechten. Toch spreekt het UNHCR rapport klare taal: Afghanistan hoort bij één van de meest onveilige landen ter wereld. Het zou niet meer dan logisch moeten zijn dat bij de beoordeling van individuele asielaanvragen van Afghaanse asielzoekers ook het toenemende geweld in Afghanistan in het algemeen moet worden meegewogen. Deportatie van vluchtelingen naar een land als Afghanistan, waar aantoonbaar op grote schaal de fundamentele rechten van de mens geschonden worden, is op zichzelf al een schending van vluchtelingenrechten zoals ze vastgelegd liggen in het Verdrag van Geneve.
i UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 15
UNAMA noted that while the total civilian casualty figure for 2012 represented a four per cent decrease compared to 2011, civilian casualties in the last half of 2012 increased by 13 per cent compared to the same period in 2011. This upwards trend continued in 2013. In the first six months of 2013, UNAMA registered 3,852 conflict-related civilian casualties, an increase of 23 per cent compared to the same period of 2012 and representing a return to the recordhigh number of civilian casualties of 2011.
UNAMA noted that while the total civilian casualty figure for 2012 represented a four per cent decrease compared to 2011, civilian casualties in the last half of 2012 increased by 13 per cent compared to the same period in 2011. This upwards trend continued in 2013. In the first six months of 2013, UNAMA registered 3,852 conflict-related civilian casualties, an increase of 23 per cent compared to the same period of 2012 and representing a return to the recordhigh number of civilian casualties of 2011.
ii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 15-16
As a result, UNAMA observed a shift in 2012 in the nature of the conflict-related violence, with fewer ground engagements between AGEs and progovernment forces, but significantly more targeted killings of civilians by AGEs. Civilian casualties resulting from targeted attacks increased by 108 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011, with UNAMA documenting the death of 698 civilians and the wounding of 379 others in incidents of (attempted) targeted killings.
The upward trend in the number of civilian casualties as a result of targeted attacks continued in 2013, with UNAMA reporting a further 29 per cent increase in civilian casualties as a result of such attacks in the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
As a result, UNAMA observed a shift in 2012 in the nature of the conflict-related violence, with fewer ground engagements between AGEs and progovernment forces, but significantly more targeted killings of civilians by AGEs. Civilian casualties resulting from targeted attacks increased by 108 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011, with UNAMA documenting the death of 698 civilians and the wounding of 379 others in incidents of (attempted) targeted killings.
The upward trend in the number of civilian casualties as a result of targeted attacks continued in 2013, with UNAMA reporting a further 29 per cent increase in civilian casualties as a result of such attacks in the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
iii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 16
In 2012, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were responsible for 34 per cent of all civilian casualties (868 civilian deaths and 1,663 injuries). In the first six months of 2013, civilian deaths and injuries resulting from the use of IEDs by AGEs were up 34 per cent compared to the same period in 2012. In most cases of civilian casualties caused by IEDs, the IEDs appeared not to have been directed at specific military objectives or they were employed in such a way that their effects could not be limited to legitimate military targets, in violation of the requirements of international humanitarian law. AGEs were reported to continue to plant IEDs on roads routinely used by civilians, as well as in other public areas commonly used by civilians, such as markets and bazaars, government offices, in and around schools, shops and bus stations. AGEs also used IEDs in assassination attempts against civilians, frequently killing a high number of bystanders.
In 2012, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were responsible for 34 per cent of all civilian casualties (868 civilian deaths and 1,663 injuries). In the first six months of 2013, civilian deaths and injuries resulting from the use of IEDs by AGEs were up 34 per cent compared to the same period in 2012. In most cases of civilian casualties caused by IEDs, the IEDs appeared not to have been directed at specific military objectives or they were employed in such a way that their effects could not be limited to legitimate military targets, in violation of the requirements of international humanitarian law. AGEs were reported to continue to plant IEDs on roads routinely used by civilians, as well as in other public areas commonly used by civilians, such as markets and bazaars, government offices, in and around schools, shops and bus stations. AGEs also used IEDs in assassination attempts against civilians, frequently killing a high number of bystanders.
iv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 16-17
AGEs also continued to use suicide attacks to target public places, including crowded markets, mosques, social gatherings such as weddings, gatherings of tribal elders and civilian government offices, in violation of international humanitarian law. Suicide attacks ostensibly targeting IMF or Afghan forces also frequently lead to large numbers of civilian casualties. In 2012 UNAMA documented 1,507 civilian casualties (328 deaths and 1,1,79 people injured) as a result of suicide and complex attacks. In the period between 1 January and 6 June 2013, civilian casualties as a result to of direct suicide attacks by AGEs were down 24 per cent compared to 2012, but the number of civilians killed and injured in complex attacks increased by 57 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012 (and by 800 per cent compared to the same period in 2011).
AGEs also continued to use suicide attacks to target public places, including crowded markets, mosques, social gatherings such as weddings, gatherings of tribal elders and civilian government offices, in violation of international humanitarian law. Suicide attacks ostensibly targeting IMF or Afghan forces also frequently lead to large numbers of civilian casualties. In 2012 UNAMA documented 1,507 civilian casualties (328 deaths and 1,1,79 people injured) as a result of suicide and complex attacks. In the period between 1 January and 6 June 2013, civilian casualties as a result to of direct suicide attacks by AGEs were down 24 per cent compared to 2012, but the number of civilians killed and injured in complex attacks increased by 57 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012 (and by 800 per cent compared to the same period in 2011).
v UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 17
Furthermore, so-called legacy IEDs −planted but undetonated IEDs – continued to have a serious impact on Afghan civilians, with legacy IEDs in community spaces hindering access to health and education, and creating an environment of fear and insecurity, with civilians living under the constant threat of death, maiming, serious injury and destruction of property.
Furthermore, so-called legacy IEDs −planted but undetonated IEDs – continued to have a serious impact on Afghan civilians, with legacy IEDs in community spaces hindering access to health and education, and creating an environment of fear and insecurity, with civilians living under the constant threat of death, maiming, serious injury and destruction of property.
vi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 20
In the first six months of 2013, UNAMA documented 14 civilian deaths and 23 wounded in incidents attributed to the ALP, an increase of 61 per cent compared to the same period in 2012.
In the first six months of 2013, UNAMA documented 14 civilian deaths and 23 wounded in incidents attributed to the ALP, an increase of 61 per cent compared to the same period in 2012.
vii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 22
In the first six months of 2013 UNAMA documented 40 incidents of conflictrelated violence affecting schools and direct attacks against schools and educational staff, representing an increase of 18 per cent compared to the first six months in 2012.
In the first six months of 2013 UNAMA documented 40 incidents of conflictrelated violence affecting schools and direct attacks against schools and educational staff, representing an increase of 18 per cent compared to the first six months in 2012.
viii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 22
In the first six months of 2013 UNAMA documented 90 incidents of AGEs threatening, intimidating and harassing civilians, a 105 per cent increase compared with the first half of 2012.
In the first six months of 2013 UNAMA documented 90 incidents of AGEs threatening, intimidating and harassing civilians, a 105 per cent increase compared with the first half of 2012.
ix UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 31
AGEs are reported to systematically target civilians who are associated with, or who are perceived to be supporting the Afghan Government and the international community in Afghanistan, including the IMF and international humanitarian and development actors. As noted above, in 2012 this campaign of systematic targeting intensified, with UNAMA documenting the deaths of 698 civilians and the wounding of 379 others in incidents of targeted killings or attempted targeted killings. The first six months of 2013 saw a further 29 increase in civilian casualties as a result of such attacks compared to the same period in 2012, with 312 civilians killed and 131 injured.
AGEs are reported to systematically target civilians who are associated with, or who are perceived to be supporting the Afghan Government and the international community in Afghanistan, including the IMF and international humanitarian and development actors. As noted above, in 2012 this campaign of systematic targeting intensified, with UNAMA documenting the deaths of 698 civilians and the wounding of 379 others in incidents of targeted killings or attempted targeted killings. The first six months of 2013 saw a further 29 increase in civilian casualties as a result of such attacks compared to the same period in 2012, with 312 civilians killed and 131 injured.
x UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 32
Targeted killings and injuries by AGEs of government civilian employees increased by 700 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. In the first six months of 2013, UNAMA documented a further increase in civilian casualties from AGEs targeting civilian government employees, government offices, district headquarters and other civilian structures.
Targeted killings and injuries by AGEs of government civilian employees increased by 700 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. In the first six months of 2013, UNAMA documented a further increase in civilian casualties from AGEs targeting civilian government employees, government offices, district headquarters and other civilian structures.
xi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 27
By the end of June 2013, the figure for the total number of conflict-related internally displaced people (IDPs) had risen to 574,327. However, official figures for the number of IDPs are widely considered to underrepresent the scale of the displacement problem in Afghanistan, as they exclude those dispersed in urban and semi-urban areas, as well as those displaced to rural locations in areas inaccessible to humanitarian actors.
By the end of June 2013, the figure for the total number of conflict-related internally displaced people (IDPs) had risen to 574,327. However, official figures for the number of IDPs are widely considered to underrepresent the scale of the displacement problem in Afghanistan, as they exclude those dispersed in urban and semi-urban areas, as well as those displaced to rural locations in areas inaccessible to humanitarian actors.
xii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 19
In two successive reports, UNAMA has documented the widespread use of torture and ill-treatment of conflict-related detainees held by the NDS, the ANP, the ALP and the Afghan National Army (ANA). Detainees reportedly also lack access to remedial mechanisms, including the right to habeas corpus, as well as meaningful access to defence counsel. Neither the NDS nor the ANP keep regular public statistics of their prison population. The prison system run by the Central Prisons Directorate reportedly suffers from severe overcrowding, with pre-trial detention routinely stretching up to three months or longer. This situation is reported to be a contributing factor in the willingness of law enforcement agencies to use torture in order to coerce confessions from detainees, particularly conflict-related detainees.
In two successive reports, UNAMA has documented the widespread use of torture and ill-treatment of conflict-related detainees held by the NDS, the ANP, the ALP and the Afghan National Army (ANA). Detainees reportedly also lack access to remedial mechanisms, including the right to habeas corpus, as well as meaningful access to defence counsel. Neither the NDS nor the ANP keep regular public statistics of their prison population. The prison system run by the Central Prisons Directorate reportedly suffers from severe overcrowding, with pre-trial detention routinely stretching up to three months or longer. This situation is reported to be a contributing factor in the willingness of law enforcement agencies to use torture in order to coerce confessions from detainees, particularly conflict-related detainees.
xiii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 56
Detention for breaches of customary or Sharia law disproportionately affects women and girls, including detention on the ground of perceived “moral crimes” such as being improperly unaccompanied, refusing marriage, or “running away from home” (including in situations of domestic violence). The number of girls and women detained for “moral crimes” was reported to have risen by 50 per cent between October 2011 and May 2013.
Detention for breaches of customary or Sharia law disproportionately affects women and girls, including detention on the ground of perceived “moral crimes” such as being improperly unaccompanied, refusing marriage, or “running away from home” (including in situations of domestic violence). The number of girls and women detained for “moral crimes” was reported to have risen by 50 per cent between October 2011 and May 2013.
xiv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 59
Children are reportedly at risk of illegal detention for alleged support to AGEs, and at risk of torture and ill-treatment in detention, including beatings, electric shocks, sexual violence and threats of sexual violence.
Children are reportedly at risk of illegal detention for alleged support to AGEs, and at risk of torture and ill-treatment in detention, including beatings, electric shocks, sexual violence and threats of sexual violence.
xv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 49
Violence against women and girls remains widespread and is reported to be on the rise; impunity in relation to such violence is reportedly common. (–) The AIHRC estimated that the number of reported cases of violence against women had increased by 22 per cent during the last six months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. (–) It nevertheless cautions that “incidents of violence against women are greatly under-reported”.
Violence against women and girls remains widespread and is reported to be on the rise; impunity in relation to such violence is reportedly common. (–) The AIHRC estimated that the number of reported cases of violence against women had increased by 22 per cent during the last six months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. (–) It nevertheless cautions that “incidents of violence against women are greatly under-reported”.
xvi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 52
The UN Secretary-General has noted that sexual and gender-based violence against women in Afghanistan remains endemic. Such violence includes “honour killings”, abduction, rape, forced abortion and domestic violence.
The UN Secretary-General has noted that sexual and gender-based violence against women in Afghanistan remains endemic. Such violence includes “honour killings”, abduction, rape, forced abortion and domestic violence.
xvii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 53
While many women in these circumstances are convicted and imprisoned, men responsible for the domestic violence or forced marriages almost always enjoy impunity.
While many women in these circumstances are convicted and imprisoned, men responsible for the domestic violence or forced marriages almost always enjoy impunity.
xviii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 54
The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission estimates that between 60 and 80 per cent of all marriages in Afghanistan are forced. Although reliable data are difficult to obtain, surveys indicate that 15 per cent of women are married by age 15, and 46 per cent of women are married by age 18.
The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission estimates that between 60 and 80 per cent of all marriages in Afghanistan are forced. Although reliable data are difficult to obtain, surveys indicate that 15 per cent of women are married by age 15, and 46 per cent of women are married by age 18.
xix UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 54
Cases of honour killings are reported to be on the rise. (–) On 22 April 2013, a woman named Halima, who was a mother of two children, was reportedly shot dead by her father in in the village of Kookchaheel, in the Aabkamari district of Badghis province, after having been accused of running away with a male cousin while her husband was in Iran. Cases of “honour killings” reported in March 2013 included a young girl who was reportedly buried alive by her brother and father in Kishim district of Badakhshan province; a 14 year-old girl in Herat province who was reportedly killed when she refused to marry her fiancé; a brother who was reported to have killed his married sister as she insisted on joining her husband in Iran; and a husband in Jawzjan province who reportedly beheaded his wife.
Cases of honour killings are reported to be on the rise. (–) On 22 April 2013, a woman named Halima, who was a mother of two children, was reportedly shot dead by her father in in the village of Kookchaheel, in the Aabkamari district of Badghis province, after having been accused of running away with a male cousin while her husband was in Iran. Cases of “honour killings” reported in March 2013 included a young girl who was reportedly buried alive by her brother and father in Kishim district of Badakhshan province; a 14 year-old girl in Herat province who was reportedly killed when she refused to marry her fiancé; a brother who was reported to have killed his married sister as she insisted on joining her husband in Iran; and a husband in Jawzjan province who reportedly beheaded his wife.
xx UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 54
For each reported case of an “honour killing”, a dozen other cases are estimated to remain unreported.
For each reported case of an “honour killing”, a dozen other cases are estimated to remain unreported.
xxi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 55
The US State Department noted that the custom of bride money motivated poor families to pledge daughters as young as six or seven years old, with the understanding that the actual marriage would be delayed until the child reached puberty. However, reports indicated that this delay was rarely observed and that young girls were sexually violated not only by the groom but also by older men in the family, particularly if the groom was also a child. There were reports that young girls who were married between the ages of nine and 11 attempted self-immolation. US Department of State, 2012 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – Afghanistan, 19 April 2013, http://www.refworld.org/docid/517e6e73f.html. A law banning the enrolment in the public school system of anyone who is married forces many girls who are married at a young age to drop out of school.
The US State Department noted that the custom of bride money motivated poor families to pledge daughters as young as six or seven years old, with the understanding that the actual marriage would be delayed until the child reached puberty. However, reports indicated that this delay was rarely observed and that young girls were sexually violated not only by the groom but also by older men in the family, particularly if the groom was also a child. There were reports that young girls who were married between the ages of nine and 11 attempted self-immolation. US Department of State, 2012 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – Afghanistan, 19 April 2013, http://www.refworld.org/docid/517e6e73f.html. A law banning the enrolment in the public school system of anyone who is married forces many girls who are married at a young age to drop out of school.
xxii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 58
Recruitment by AGEs of children was reportedly on the rise. AGEs increasingly used children for suicide attacks; in 2012 UNAMA documented the death of three children while they carried out suicide attacks, while a further 48 children were arrested by the ANSF on allegations of plans to carry out suicide attacks. Children were also used to plant IEDs and to smuggle weapons and uniforms, and to act as guards or scouts for reconnaissance. In some cases AGEs abused children sexually. (–) The Taliban reportedly tricked children, promised them money, or forced them to become suicide bombers.(-) Some children unknowingly carried explosive packages.
Recruitment by AGEs of children was reportedly on the rise. AGEs increasingly used children for suicide attacks; in 2012 UNAMA documented the death of three children while they carried out suicide attacks, while a further 48 children were arrested by the ANSF on allegations of plans to carry out suicide attacks. Children were also used to plant IEDs and to smuggle weapons and uniforms, and to act as guards or scouts for reconnaissance. In some cases AGEs abused children sexually. (–) The Taliban reportedly tricked children, promised them money, or forced them to become suicide bombers.(-) Some children unknowingly carried explosive packages.
xxiii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 59
Child labour reportedly remains widespread. Manifestations of child labour in Afghanistan include the worst forms of child labour, such as debt bondage and other forms of forced labour, the use of children in illicit activities including the drug trade, as well as the use of children in prostitution.
Child labour reportedly remains widespread. Manifestations of child labour in Afghanistan include the worst forms of child labour, such as debt bondage and other forms of forced labour, the use of children in illicit activities including the drug trade, as well as the use of children in prostitution.
xxiv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 59
According to UNICEF estimates, at least 30 per cent of primary school-age children undertook some form of work, and there were more than one million child labourers younger than 14.
According to UNICEF estimates, at least 30 per cent of primary school-age children undertook some form of work, and there were more than one million child labourers younger than 14.
xxv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 59
Estimates for the total number of children working in Kabul’s streets range from 50,000 to 60,000.
Estimates for the total number of children working in Kabul’s streets range from 50,000 to 60,000.
xxvi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 60
Child abuse is reported to be endemic throughout the country, with the number of reported cases on the rise in 2012. Common forms of abuse include physical violence, sexual abuse, abandonment and general neglect. Some forms of domestic violence against children take place in the name of discipline. Sexual abuse of children reportedly remains pervasive. While most child victims of sexual abuse, particularly girls, are abused by family members, boys and girls were also reported to be at risk of sexual violence at the hands of state agents, while boys in particular were reported to be at risk of sexual abuse by AGEs. Young boys continue to be at risk of bacha baazi, a practice in which boys are sold to powerful figures and businessmen and trained to dance in female clothes for male audiences and then used and traded for sex. The practice is reported to be on the rise.
Child abuse is reported to be endemic throughout the country, with the number of reported cases on the rise in 2012. Common forms of abuse include physical violence, sexual abuse, abandonment and general neglect. Some forms of domestic violence against children take place in the name of discipline. Sexual abuse of children reportedly remains pervasive. While most child victims of sexual abuse, particularly girls, are abused by family members, boys and girls were also reported to be at risk of sexual violence at the hands of state agents, while boys in particular were reported to be at risk of sexual abuse by AGEs. Young boys continue to be at risk of bacha baazi, a practice in which boys are sold to powerful figures and businessmen and trained to dance in female clothes for male audiences and then used and traded for sex. The practice is reported to be on the rise.
xxvii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 60
In 2011, the Ministry of Interior recorded an estimated 100 cases of child rape in Kabul alone, while reports from 13 other provinces totaled 470 cases of child rape in 2011. The unreported numbers were believed to be much higher.
In 2011, the Ministry of Interior recorded an estimated 100 cases of child rape in Kabul alone, while reports from 13 other provinces totaled 470 cases of child rape in 2011. The unreported numbers were believed to be much higher.
De rol van de Afghaanse overheid
De rol van een overheid is om zowel de
nationale belangen als de burgers te beschermen, middels bijvoorbeeld
wetgeving, wetshandhaving, het toegang bieden tot basisvoorzieningen en
het ontwikkelen van infrastructuur.
Rapporten van humanitaire organisaties
laten al jaren zien dat de Afghaanse overheid hier om verschillende
redenen jammerlijk in faalt. Wijd verspreide corruptie en straffeloosheid
verzwakken de invloed van de overheid in hoge mate; de ontwikkeling van
een juridisch systeem stagneert. Ondanks toezeggingen van de Afghaanse
overheid naar aanleiding van zware kritiek van verschillende
internationale organisaties blijven verbeteringen uit. Sterker nog: de
overheid zelf, inclusief leden van de nationale politie en de lokale
politie, blijkt schuldig aan schendingen van de mensenrechten op grote
schaal en vormt daarmee een sterke bedreiging voor de burgers in
Afghanistan.i
Zwakheid van de overheid
Wetgeving omtrent kinderarbeid laat al te
wensen over: volgens de wet mogen kinderen vanaf 15 jaar ‘licht werk’
verrichten tot 35 uur per week. Maar de handhaving van die wet blijkt
zwak, vanwege het gebrek aan institutionele capaciteit, maar ook door
het feit dat minder dan 10 procent van de kinderen formeel geregistreerd
staat, waardoor het tegengaan van kinderarbeid en de excessen daarvan
moeilijk tegen te gaan is bij de ongeregistreerde kinderen.ii
Ook de positie van de vrouwen blijft
onverminderd slecht in Afghanistan. De implementatie van de EVAW-wet,
die vrouwenrechten zou moeten beschermen, vordert slechts bijzonder
langzaam en de betrokkenheid van de regeringspartijen bij de bescherming
van vrouwenrechten wordt door diverse observerende partijen in twijfel
getrokken.iii
President Karzai liet in mei 2013 aan vrouwenrechtenactivisten weten
dat hij de EVAW wet niet verder kon beschermen en adviseerde ze om hun
activiteiten op te geven.iv
De overheid implementeerde drie
verschillende hulpprogramma’s voor slachtoffers van geweldsconflicten in
Afghanistan en stelde zich middels een ander programma ten doel om de
praktijk van bacha baazi – het verkopen van minderjarige jongens als
seksslaven – tegen te gaan. Uit onderzoek blijkt dat de programma’s
ineffectief zijn en geen verbetering teweeg brengen.v vi
Als burgers de overheid willen bijstaan
in hun beschermende taak, bijvoorbeeld door locaties van landmijnen te
rapporteren, dan lopen deze burgers het risico op serieuze repercussies
vanuit anti-overheidselementen en zijn de lokale politietroepen niet bij
machte om dat tegen te houden.vii
De overheid zelf als ernstige bedreiging
Zwakke handhaving en gebrek aan
verbeteringen zijn niet het enige probleem wat betreft de Afghaanse
overheid. En vele malen groter probleem is dat van misdaden begaan door
de vertegenwoordigers van de wet en de overheid zelf. De overheid en het
rechtssysteem zelf maakt zich in hoge mate schuldig aan corruptie,
machtsmisbruik en afpersing.viii
Leden van de nationale veiligheidsdienst, de nationale politie, de
lokale politie en de grenspolitie blijken zich schuldig te maken aan
moord. Overheidsmedewerkers, veiligheidstroepen, detentieautoriteiten en
politie maken zich schuldig aan marteling, wreed, onmenselijk en
vernederend optreden en dito straffen. Vrouwen worden regelmatig door
politieofficieren verkracht, waarna de daders onbestraft blijven.
Seksueel misbruik van kinderen komt
veelvuldig voor en leden van de nationale politie, individuen betrokken
bij de politie en leden van de Afghaanse nationale veiligheidstroepenix
behoren ook tot de daders. Vaak blijven zij onbestraft, maar worden de
slachtoffers van kindermisbruik daarentegen gedetineerd, onder het
argument dat ze ‘morele misdrijven’ hebben begaan, schande over hun
familie hebben gebracht en daarvoor bestraft dienen te worden.x
In twee detentiecentra, zes nationale
politieposten en één grenspolitiepost bleek de inzet van marteling
systematisch en waren er onder de gemartelde gedetineerden ook kinderen.xi
De problemen in de detentiecentra groeien, door het toenemende aantal
gedetineerden in de toch al overbevolkte detentiecentra; dit draagt
volgens de UNHCR bij aan de bereidheid van detentieautoriteiten en
officieren om marteling in te zetten bij het loskrijgen van
bekentenissen van conflict-gerelateerde gedetineerden.xii
De VN missie rapporteerde over 80
gevallen waarin kinderen door de nationale detentieautoriteiten, de
nationale politie en de lokale politie onrechtmatig werden gedetineerd
en gemarteld, ook als het om kinderen ging die eerder door AGE’s
gedwongen waren om een zelfmoordaanslag te pogen.xiii
Officiers van de Afghaanse lokale politie bleken direct betrokken bij baad
(het schenken van meisjes en vrouwen ter compensatie van misdrijven),
verkrachting, marteling van gedetineerden, mishandeling, confiscatie van
eigendommen en dwangarbeid.xiv
Zo werd door een hooggeplaatste politiefunctionaris in mei 2012 een
achttienjarig meisje weggegeven aan één van zijn officieren om een
mogelijke ruzie tussen twee families te voorkomen.xv
De UNHCR noteerde meldingen van kinderverkrachting door leden van de Afghaanse nationale veiligheidsdiensten (inclusief bacha baazi),
omkoping van politie- en detentieofficieren door mensenhandelaars,
kindermisbruik door medewerkers in overheidsweeshuizen waarbij de
kinderen ook tot prostitutie gedwongen werden en het faciliteren van
mensenhandel door omgekochte grenspolitiewachten.xvi
Bij dit laatste werd de mensenhandel niet alleen gefaciliteerd, maar
werden de slachtoffers ook verkracht en beschuldigd van misdrijven.
Ondanks de instelling van een wet om mensenhandel tegen te gaan, werd er
in de periode van juni 2011 en juli 2012 niemand vervolgd of
veroordeeld wegens mensenhandel.xvii
Kindermisbruik blijkt één van de
motiverende factoren voor het ronselen van kinderen te zijn door de
Afghaanse nationale veiligheidsdiensten.xviii
Er is een significante toename in het aantal gevallen van mishandeling,
geweld en detentie door politieambtenaren op basis van seksuele
geaardheid.xix
Een andere schending van mensenrechten
door de overheid zelf betrof bijvoorbeeld de arrestatie en mishandeling
van vreedzame demonstranten in Kabul op 2 mei 2013.xx
i UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 23
Afghan
governance is perceived as particularly weak. High levels of corruption,
ineffective governance and a climate of impunity are all reported by
observers as factors that weaken the rule of law and undermine the
ability of the State to provide protection from human rights violations.
Accountability for human rights violations is reported to remain weak,
and little or no political support has materialized for the advancement
of transitional justice mechanisms, despite past commitments on the part
of the Government. As noted above, a number of State actors tasked with
protecting human rights, including the ANP and ALP, are themselves
reported to commit human rights abuses with impunity in certain parts of
the country.
ii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 59
The Labour Law sets the minimum age for employment, including hazardous employment,
at 18;
children between ages 15 and 18 may engage in “light work” up to 35
hours per week. A child may work as an apprentice from age 14. However,
enforcement of the Labour Law was reported to be weak, due to a lack of
institutional capacity on the part of the government, and because fewer
than 10 per cent of children had formal birth registrations.
iii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 50
Observers have noted that the government’s commitment to the promotion
and protection of women’s rights has at times been in doubt. The
implementation of legislation to protect women’s rights remains slow.
iv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 50
According to Human Rights Watch, in May 2013 President Karzai told
women’s rights activists that he was unable to support further efforts
to protect Afghanistan’s EVAW law, and advised them to stop advocating
for stronger enforcement of the EVAW law.
v UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 18
The
Afghan Government administers three programmes to provide assistance to
civilians who suffered conflict-related harm at the hands of any of the
warring parties. However, many affected civilians, including civilians
harmed by the ANSF, reportedly receive no help from these programmes.
vi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 63
The US State Department also states that no progress was reported in the twelve months to June
2012 towards fulfilling the goals of the action plan signed in January 2011 to combat the use of bacha baazi by the ANSF.
vii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 35
UNAMA
reports having documented many cases of AGEs murdering or mutilating
persons suspected of collaborating with pro-government forces.
Communities in districts with a high prevalence of improvised explosive
devices (IEDs) are reported to face serious repercussions from AGEs when
they seek to report IED locations to the ANSF.
viii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 24
Corruption
is reported to affect many parts of the state apparatus, on the
national, provincial and local levels. In 2012, half of all Afghan
citizens who had contact with public officials reportedly had to pay
bribes to access public services. Within the police, corruption is
reported to be endemic, as is
the abuse of power and extortion. The justice system is similarly reported to suffer from systemic
corruption.
ix UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 19
Various
State actors have been accused of committing serious human rights
violations. The NDS, the ANP, the ALP and the Afghan Border Police (ABP)
have reportedly committed unlawful killings. Government officials,
security forces, detention centre authorities, and police have
reportedly used torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment. Police officers have reportedly raped female detainees. The
ANSF have reportedly sexually abused and exploited children. Impunity
for human rights violations committed by each of these State actors is
reported to have remained widespread.
x UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 60-61
Impunity
for sexual abuse of children remains a problem: most abusers are not
arrested, and there are reports of children raped with impunity by
security officials and individuals connected to the ANP. Some children
who were prosecuted for “moral crimes” were victims rather than
perpetrators of crime; having reported instances of sexual abuse, they
are perceived to have brought shame on their family and to be in need of
punishment.
xi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 41
UNAMA
reported that in two NDS facilities, six ANP facilities and one ABP
location, the use of torture was systematic. Among the detainees who
were found to have been subjected to torture were children.
xii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 42
The UN
Secretary-General noted in June 2012 that the prison population
continued to grow significantly, while the UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights had earlier noted that the increasing strains caused by the
growing prison population on the already overcrowded prison system “has
been a contributing factor in the willingness of law enforcement
agencies to use torture in order to coerce confessions from detainees,
particularly conflict-related detainees.”
xiii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 59
UNAMA
report documented the illegal detention and torture of 80 children by
the NDS, ANP and ALP for alleged national security crimes, including
alleged suicide attacks.
xiv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 20
Examples
of documented human rights violations with the reported direct
involvement of ALP members in 2012 include cases of the practice of baad
(the giving away of girls and women as
compensation for criminal acts), rape, torture of detainees, ill-treatment, property seizure and forced labour.
xv UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 54
In the first six months of 2012, UNAMA documented a number of cases where ALP officers
were
directly involved in cases of baad, including the case of an 18-year-old
girl in Kunduz district, Kunduz province, on 17 May 2012, who was given
in baad by an ALP commander to one of his ALP members, allegedly to
prevent a potential dispute between two ALP members’ families over a
recent marriage.
xvi UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 64
This
includes reports of sexual abuse of boys, including for bacha baazi, by
members of the ANSF; reports of traffickers bribing Afghan officials to
secure their release from prison; reports of corrupt officials in
government-run orphanages sexually abusing children and forcing them
into prostitution; and reports that ANP and border police facilitated
trafficking and raped sex trafficking victims. The government is
reported not to have investigated, arrested or prosecuted any government
officials for facilitating trafficking offense.
xvii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 63-64
In 2008 the Government adopted an anti-trafficking law, but in the twelve months between June
2011 and
June 2012 it is reported not to have prosecuted or convicted any
trafficking offenders under this law. In contrast, the Government
reportedly punished victims for offenses they allegedly committed as a
direct result of being trafficked. Government employees are reported to
have been accused of complicity in human trafficking.
xviii UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 58
The UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that sexual exploitation was
a motivating factor for the recruitment of boys into the ANSF.
xix UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 64
The use
by the police of harassment, violence, and detention on the basis of
people’s sexual orientation was reported to have increased significantly
during 2012 compared to previous years.
xx UNHCR Eligibility Guidelines d.d. 6 augustus 2013, pagina 20
Other
reported human rights violations by State actors include the arrest and
alleged maltreatment of peaceful protesters in Kabul on 2 May 2013.
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