Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission

Published purpose

This contribution agreement represents Canada’s fourth phase of long-term institutional support to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). AIHRC uses these funds, along with other donors’ funding, to achieve its mandate. The AIHRC is an independent national body with the mandate to promote and protect the human rights of Afghans, and to investigate alleged human rights violations. It provides human rights training within the government, for the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police, and the judiciary, as well as in schools. It also promotes laws that protect the interests of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and works to raise the Afghan populations’ awareness of their rights. Canada’s contribution supports the AIHRC in implementing its 2019-2023 Strategic Plan which focuses on leadership, promotion of human rights, empowerment, and protection and monitoring of human rights. Project activities seek to strengthen the AIHRC’s leadership on human rights issues in Afghanistan, and its abilities to: (1) deliver human rights education to help Afghans understand, respect, and exercise their human rights; (2) empower the Afghan government and civil society to better protect, promote, and monitor human rights; and (3) advocate at regional, national, and international levels for the realization of human rights.