UN expresses concern over Afghan amnesty law, calls for revision

The Human Rights Commissioner of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Norah Niland expressed concern over Afghanistan's amnesty law and called for its revision on Thursday.

"The lack of political commitments to the judiciary in Afghanistan is seen by High Rights Commissioner as a major concern and needs revision," Niland told a press conference here.

It is a real concern that the amnesty law adopted recently gives blanket immunity to human rights violators, she added.

"It undermines the peace and stability in a country where abuse of power is widespread," the UN top human rights official emphasized, and adding, "It gives a wrong message to the victims."

The Afghan parliament, according to reports, has passed a reconciliation law that provides immunity to those involved in factional fighting and war crimes during the past three decades of war and civil strife in the country.

The High Commissioner and Afghan civil society and human rights organizations in and outside the country have asked the law to be reviewed, she added.

Niland also said that the rights of women and girls have to be respected in any negotiations which are under way as well as the peace process.

Source: Xinhua