A/HRC/25/41 the ongoing political process and the transition of security responsibilities placed the State in a challenging position. It considered implementation of the Convention as the most effective safeguard to ensure the full respect and enjoyment of women’s rights. The Committee provided recommendations on the elimination of violence against women and harmful practices and other measures as a high priority for national mobilization and international support. 57. In November 2013, the Government submitted its second report to the universal periodic review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This report addressed the Government’s progress in implementing the 117 recommendations made by the Council following the first review of the human rights situation in Afghanistan in 2009. In the second half of 2013, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs began a robust process to prepare the initial report of Afghanistan to the Committee against Torture, which is due in June 2014. Given the serious concerns raised about torture, it is greatly appreciated that Afghanistan is paying particular attention to the preparation of this report. VIII. Conclusion 58. The human rights agenda in Afghanistan is at a critical crossroads. In April 2014, President Karzai’s two terms in office will expire and presidential elections will be held. Over the next year, international military forces will finalize their handover of security responsibilities to Afghan forces. At the same time, a large portion of the international donor presence is expected to withdraw from Afghanistan, significantly reducing financial commitments and direct engagement in project implementation. 59. As political, security and economic transition accelerate to their conclusion and with the persistence of the armed conflict, many Afghans are concerned that instability may increase throughout the country, undoing the significant human rights gains of the last 12 years. There are already signs that the Government and the international community’s commitment and attention to the human rights agenda are weakening and that the overall situation of human rights is deteriorating. Indicators include the recent flawed appointment process to the AIHRC, rising civilian casualties in the armed conflict, and developments that could weaken women’s rights. The Government should ensure that the transition in 2014 does not lead to a rollback of the gains made and that human rights are not sacrificed for the sake of political expediency. IX. Recommendations 60. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recommends the following: The Government of Afghanistan should: (a) Prioritize efforts to strengthen civilian protection, especially full implementation of the Government counter-IED strategy, and ensure development and resourcing of sufficient ANSF capacity to command, control and effectively conduct counter-IED operations and IED disposal, including exploitation; (b) Strengthen structures in the Government that track, mitigate and provide accountability for civilian casualties by pro-Government forces, including transparent and timely investigations and accurate tracking of all incidents of civilian casualties caused by ANSF, in order to improve civilian protection, compensation and accountability; 15