Shaharzad Akbar, head of the human rights organization Rawadari, emphasized at the meeting that in order to examine the future of transitional justice in Afghanistan, the country’s past must be assessed carefully and honestly.
She said on Monday, May 11, 2026, that there had been no political will to implement transitional justice during the previous government.
According to her, in the past, the widespread public demand for justice, truth, and accountability was met with neglect and even suppression.
Akbar added that part of the responsibility for Afghanistan’s situation lies with the former government and political elites, while another part rests with the international community, particularly the United States and the United Nations.
She stressed that corruption and injustice weakened public trust in the system and in the concept of human rights, and were among the factors behind the collapse of the republic.
According to her, adequate accountability has also not taken place in cases related to international forces.
She added that Afghanistan’s future should place greater focus on public awareness and a comprehensive human rights approach in order to prevent the repetition of past experiences.
The meeting, titled “Accountability, Truth and Reconciliation: Foundations for the Return of Constitutional Governance in Afghanistan,” was held in Geneva with the participation of Afghan civil society, political and human rights figures, as well as experts from the United Nations.
