MARY ROBISON WARMLY WELCOMES SIGNING OF DECREE ESTABLISHING AFGHAN INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

6 June 2002



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson warmly welcomed the signing in Kabul today of the Decree establishing the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. "This historic step is an important milestone in the implementation of the Bonn Agreement, signed only six months ago", she said.

"The signing of the Decree is symbolic of the close cooperation between the Afghan Interim Administration, Afghan Civil Society and the United Nations", said the High Commissioner. "The process has been transparent and inclusive and the decree vests the Commission with broad scope and competence for promoting and protecting the human rights of the Afghan people”, she added.

Mrs. Robinson has assured the Interim Administration of Afghanistan of the continued support of her Office as this important institution faces the challenges of becoming effectively established and appropriately equipped to discharge its mandate.