UNITED NATIONS A General Assembly Distr. GENERAL A/HRC/4/98* 5 March 2007 Original: ENGLISH HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Fourth session Item 2 of the provisional agenda IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION 60/251 OF 15 MARCH 2006 ENTITLED “HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL” Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and on the achievements of technical assistance in the field of human rights** Summary The Afghanistan Compact and the Afghanistan National Development Strategy provide a positive framework for development and improvements in the enjoyment of human rights. There are serious efforts towards reform in key sectors and a number of achievements, including in the security and justice sectors. However, Afghanistan’s transition is overshadowed by the armed conflict which intensified in 2006 and which poses challenges to political, social and economic achievements. Violence has taken hundreds of civilian lives, hindered much-needed delivery of development aid, created new groups of displaced and, coupled with grinding poverty and the illegitimate narcotics industry, remains the greatest challenge for Afghans. Despite some significant gains, justice reform continues to face daunting obstacles; improvements achieved by women over the last four years are overshadowed by ongoing discriminatory practices; and factional fighting between commanders continues to pose threats in some areas. Arbitrary detention is commonplace and torture continues to be reported. Impunity continues largely unabated both for past and present crimes. Many commanders against whom there are credible allegations of abuse and who control armed militia continue to hold official positions. The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council decision 2/113, contains recommendations to address the situation described. * Reissued for technical reasons. ** There was a delay in the submission of the report in order to reflect the latest information. GE.07-11731 (E) 090307