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By Raoul Wallenberg Institute
License: RWI report
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) is currently implementing a human rights programme on Afghanistan (2024-2026). The overall objective of the programme is “to contribute to strengthened conditions for inclusive governance, peace, and respect for human rights and gender equality in Afghanistan”. In order to reach this objective, one particular result that the programme aims to achieve is increased scholarship and academic discourse on the human rights situation, including in relation to gender equality, in Afghanistan. The programme also collaborates closely with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett. The UNSR is hosted at RWI as a Visiting Professor and the programme aims to support the UNSR mandate and priorities (for more information see https://rwi.lu.se/afghanistan-programme/).
Aligned with these overarching goals, and in collaboration with the Swedish South Asian Studies Network (SASNET) of Lund University, RWI organized a research conference in Lund and online from November 14–16, 2024. The conference aimed to explore key human rights challenges in Afghanistan, encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, and provide a platform for Afghan scholars and experts to exchange ideas and network.
The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations by academics, civil society actors, and policymakers. Discussions covered themes such as accountability for human rights violations, freedom of expression, humanitarian aid, gender apartheid, education, and the intersection of political economy and human rights. The conference also examined the challenges facing Afghan civil society, the role of the diaspora in advocacy, and the struggles of marginalized groups, particularly the Hazara community.
A total of 63 participants attended in a hybrid format, representing diverse academic institutions, international organizations, and civil society groups. Women comprised 51% of the participants, ensuring a gender-balanced group. This report summarizes the key discussions and findings of the thematic panels, highlighting critical issues raised and potential paths forward.
The report concludes with participant recommendations and suggested follow-up actions.
Key words: Afghanistan; interdisciplinary; accountability; human rights; freedom of expression; humanitarian aid; gender apartheid; education; politics; civil society; diaspora; marginalised groups