The first steps we must see are an end to violence, protection from harm, respect for human rights, guarantees of aid delivery and the foundations set for inclusive dialogue. The international community must recognise their responsibility to those they have worked with, now at risk.
There must be space for all Afghans to freely contribute towards a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan. Inclusive peace must be representative of and endorsed by the whole of Afghanistan’s society. Evidence shows that durable and just peace demands meaningful participation of women and youth in all aspects of a peace process. Afghan women and youth must be included to build a more equitable and sustainable political settlement for Afghanistan.
In June 2018 our Accord publication asked Afghan political representatives, activists, and civil society, Taliban leaders, and Afghan and international experts to reflect on the prospects for peace and democratisation in Afghanistan, and to draw lessons from the country’s past.