A/HRC/40/45 60. In 2018, UNAMA/OHCHR organized 11 events in connection with the Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security, with representation from 16 of the 34 provinces. The events were attended by 249 Afghans (212 women and 37 men), who shared their views and proposals on Afghan women’s participation in peace processes and local peace initiatives. The discussions focused on addressing deep-rooted cultural norms and discriminatory practices that prevent women’s participation in peace processes. 61. The United Nations in Afghanistan celebrated International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, which marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence global campaign. In that context, between 25 November and 10 December, UNAMA/OHCHR, jointly with partners, organized 13 workshops, round tables, panel discussions, an art competition and radio messages around the global theme “Orange the World: #HearMeToo”. The campaign focused on crimes of violence against women and girls prevalent in the provinces, such as particular harmful traditional practices, underreporting of specific crimes, and improvements to criminal justice services to ensure effective accountability. VIII. Peace and reconciliation, including accountability and transitional justice 62. UNAMA/OHCHR remained actively engaged with civil society and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission to promote civil society space and protection for human rights defenders, end impunity for human rights violations, support efforts to end discrimination, and promote inclusive peace and reconciliation processes. UNAMA/OHCHR also supported efforts to promote the centrality of human rights of women, girls, minorities and other vulnerable groups and to ensure their participation in political and social spheres, including peace processes. 63. UNAMA/OHCHR continued its engagement with the civil society-led Transitional Justice Coordination Group composed of 20 organizations active in promoting the voice of Afghan war victims for justice-based peace and reconciliation processes. In 2018, the group conducted seven coordination meetings and memorial events in Kabul, Balkh, Herat and Badakhshan, including a photo exhibition that was launched on the national day of war victims, 10 December, in Kabul. 64. Following the request by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to the Pre-Trial Chamber on 20 November 2017 for judicial authorization to commence an investigation of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan since 1 May 2003, almost 800 submissions were lodged with the Court by Afghan war victims and their representatives. UNAMA/OHCHR raised public awareness on the Court’s procedures through the Afghan Bar Association, which helped victims to prepare submissions. 65. UNAMA/OHCHR continued to monitor peace and reconciliation efforts, and advocated for the inclusion of civil society groups in the process, by promoting space for civil society participation, improving their advocacy skills and facilitating their understanding of international human rights mechanisms and standards. During the reporting period, UNAMA/OHCHR organized 39 round-table discussions, workshops and seminars to promote civil society space and engagement in human rights-based peace processes and to enable civil society activists and human rights defenders to monitor, report and advocate on human rights. UNAMA/OHCHR supported the broadcast of seven radio programmes in 2018 to promote human rights values in Afghanistan. 66. On 30 April, UNAMA/OHCHR published in Kabul a compilation of 34 provincial road maps for peace. This was followed by 20 advocacy events and the launching of provincial road maps in 20 provinces, with the participation of approximately 616 Afghans including local authorities, civil society and media organizations (460 men and 156 women). 67. UNAMA/OHCHR continued engagement with the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and conducted regular coordination meetings aimed at sharing 11