Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kabul (Agenzia Fides) – Civil Afghan society wants to play a role in this phase of pacification and reconstruction of the Country. On this point began the first national conference for Afghan civil society, held in Kabul from 30 March till 1 April. Humanitarian organisations and human rights groups for the defence and promotion of women, global media, cultural organisations and unions who wished to have their voices heard during the transition phase attended the conference.
The conference was supported by “Afgana”, an NGO network, and by the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry, to give greater attention to Afghan society.
Hamidullah Zazai, director of “Mediothek Afghanistan”, who spoke first at the meeting, said that “this first conference is an important step for Afghanistan and marks a change in that all of civil society is speaking with one voice to the authorities,” declaring that they too are “ready to take on responsibility to act, promoting common good and justice, equal opportunity and respect for the rights and dignity of every person.”
Speaking at the meeting was Shahla Farid, from the Afghan Women Network. She urged the consideration of women in partaking in the decisions made by Government, citing the difficult living conditions for women and lack of their fundamental rights. The meeting calls on the Government to recognise “the positive contribution that civil society may make towards the common good of the Country, to be able to work together, and not at odds.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/3/2011)
