In Afghanistan, Deputy Secretary-General stresses importance of protecting human rights

Human rights in Afghanistan topped the agenda of activities today by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette as she continued her official visit to the war-ravaged nation.

In meetings with Ms. Fréchette, members of the Independent Human Rights Commission described the support they need from the UN and the Afghan Government to get fully established. Priorities in the period ahead include raising human rights awareness throughout the country, Commission members said, voicing hope that human rights principles would be incorporated into the future constitution of Afghanistan.

The Deputy Secretary-General agreed on the importance of human rights awareness and education. "Human rights is not only a question of legislative backing, but also needs to be in the hearts and minds of people so that human rights can be defended over time," she said.

Ms. Fréchette also met with representatives of civil society, including lawyers, teachers, human rights advocates and media representatives. According to a UN spokesman, their discussions touched on implementation of the Bonn Agreement, which forms the basis for the country's political transition, as well as upcoming elections, human rights and judicial issues.