A nationwide network for human rights in Afghanistan.
Since 2004, CSHRN has united Afghan civil society around a single commitment: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the rule of law for every person in Afghanistan.
Bound together by a common commitment.
In August 2004, 24 human rights organisations registered the Civil Society and Human Rights Network with the Ministry of Justice. In February 2011, following a resolution of the General Assembly, the Network registered with the Ministry of Economy under the official name Civil Society and Human Rights Organisation (CSHRO).
We are organised as a nationwide network of 82 civil society organisations representing broad segments of Afghan society in Kabul and in eight provinces. Our members work on women's rights, minorities, peace, political rights, transitional justice, radio and television, and printed media — but we are all bound by our shared commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a rights-based approach.
We firmly believe that Afghanistan can become a society founded on democracy and the rule of law. That belief is our vision — a nation where every person knows their rights, and dares to claim them.
From an idea in 2002 to a national network today.
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Embryonic beginnings
A small group of Afghan human rights advocates begin coordinating informally, laying the groundwork for a national civil society network.
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Network established
24 human rights organisations formally register the Civil Society and Human Rights Network with the Ministry of Justice in August 2004.
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Registered as an Organisation
By resolution of the General Assembly, CSHRN registers with the Ministry of Economy as the Civil Society and Human Rights Organisation (CSHRO).
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A nationwide movement
A network of 82 civil society organisations spanning Kabul and eight provinces, working alongside more than one hundred partner organisations across Afghanistan.
Currently engaged in.
Priority areas where CSHRN and member organisations concentrate their advocacy, monitoring, and training work.
- Women in peace, stability and securityActive
- Conflict transformationActive
- Reduction of domestic violenceActive
- Access to informationActive
- Rights of minoritiesActive
Accountable, transparent, democratic.
The overall decision-making body of the network is the General Assembly. Its members are representatives of every member organisation.
Framework
We work within the framework of our Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a strategic, participatory, and thoroughly democratic approach.
General Assembly
Develops and updates the strategy for building a strong human rights movement in Afghanistan. Meets at least once annually to review activities and elect the Board.
Accountability
All members have full access to network information. Planning is thorough, activities are documented, and decisions are traceable.
Method
Dialogue, symposiums, conferences, and workshops. Sustainable progress comes from mutual acknowledgement, inclusion, and the exchange of views.
The team advancing the network's work.
The Executive Secretariat coordinates CSHRN's programmes, operations, and external relations on behalf of the member organisations. Profiles and biographies will be added here soon.
What the network has built.
A selection of key achievements over the past years — training, publications, legislative work, and public dialogue.
- Contextualised human rights training manuals
- Debates on human rights among member organisations, state institutions, intellectuals and traditional leaders
- Human rights training seminars and workshops for staff of member organisations
- Cooperation and coordination with AIHRC, civil society, and the international community
- “The Voice” — a weekly human rights radio programme with Good Morning Afghanistan
- A weekly human rights page in the family magazine Kilid
- “Angaara” — CSHRN's bi-monthly magazine for human rights professionals
- Draft laws advancing the legislative framework on key human rights gaps
- A concept for promoting draft laws through documentation, public participation, and constructive dialogue
- Public statements on current events of human rights relevance
- Country report “Afghan Religious Minorities: Victims of Negligence”, published in the South Asia Collective
An unparalleled outreach across Afghanistan.
We work under circumstances where security considerations — political and physical — must be factored into every activity. Our nationwide presence proves the value of our knowledge, our strategic approach, and our ability to enter into dialogue under difficult conditions.