The conference was attended by the leadership of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, peace experts and analysts, media representatives, Ulema/clerics, women and human rights activists, CSOs’ representatives, influential figures, Members of Parliament, and representatives from national and international organizations.
The gathering was a continuation of the 2015’s conferences organized by DHSA and The Killid Group.
Najiba Ayubi, Director-General of the Development and Humanitarian Services for Afghanistan/The Killid Group (DHSA/TKG) said addressing at the conference that the country has seen an uptick in violence—the worst—since the start of peace efforts.
Media and the civil society, at current, have an important and dangerous responsibility, she said, reiterating that the war-weary nation have been waiting to hear good news from Doha.
“Afghans need a social peace,” she continued.
Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, the Chairperson of the High Council for National Reconciliation, said negotiators of the Afghan government and the Taliban have been seriously discussing the agenda of peace negotiations, and there will be important discussions on the Afghan peace after Wednesday this week.
Afghans are the righteous owners of the peace agenda, Dr. Abdullah said, adding media and the civil society are of these nation’s achievements.
Mujib Khalwatgar, Head of NAI/Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan, who also attended the conference noted that a monitoring board representing Afghan media should be appointed to Doha to closely observe negotiations.
Danish Karokhel, Director-General of Pajhwok Afghan News agency, addressed at the gathering, saying people’s voices and demands should be prioritized. The government cannot proceed without people’s support, he added.
The National Conference entitled “Peace, Media and Civil Society” funded by EU/SIDA was an initiative, co-organized by The Killid Group, which is the media wing of the Development and Humanitarian Services for Afghanistan (DHSA), and The Liaison Office (TLO) as the leading and coordinating entity in the consortium,
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