UNAMA Receives Petition Against Hekmatyar

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Thursday it has received a petition requesting justice for the victims of crimes allegedly committed by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

In a statement UNAMA said that it has welcomed agreements that contribute to a reduction of violence in Afghanistan towards allowing Afghans to live in peace with each other, and remains encouraged by the progress in the implementation of the agreement between the Government of Afghanistan and Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin.

“In this context, the United Nations maintains that attention to human rights is of critical importance, and that the promotion and protection of human rights is a key component of genuine and lasting peace. The United Nations views transitional justice and reconciliation as fundamental,” the statement noted.

“Afghan citizens and others who have been victims of atrocities must not be deprived of their right to judicial redress,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA. “The United Nations will continue to support Afghans in their efforts to seek peace, justice and security.”

UNAMA stated that it welcomes efforts by the National Unity Government to engage all those interested in establishing an equitable peace and renouncing violence for good, and remains committed to supporting reconciliation processes that allow victims’ voices to be heard.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar arrived in Kabul on May 4 after more than 20 years in hiding.