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Judges throughout Afghanistan, especially those in the outlying provinces, have historically received little support to enhance their knowledge of legal developments. Their only option was often to base their decisions on superseded and irrelevant laws, or on customary and traditional laws. Partly because the judges lacked education and training, Afghans in those districts and provinces came to rely heavily on the informal sector – shuras and jirgas – to resolve disputes.
Although 68 percent of Afghanistan’s population is under the age of 25, the youth in areas such as Shindand District of Hirat Province face a particularity volatile environment because local tribes act hostile toward central government authorities. This has created a situation where youth face a severe lack of employment opportunities and do not feel able to engage the government to help address issues important to them.
Located in central Afghanistan, Bamyan Province is largely agrarian and its residents rely on agriculture and animal husbandry to earn a living. However, there are few economic opportunities in the province and many households live in poverty. A lack of employment opportunities causes residents to either go abroad to seek other alternatives in order to earn a living.
Residents of Omakai Village in Balkh Province have long suffered from a lack of social and economic development opportunities and access to basic services because of an absence of proper roads and transportation to the district center. With local residents unable to travel, the village became host to a high level of insurgent activity, and the local government was unable to regain control of the area.
A recent annual survey ranks Afghanistan as one of the second most corrupt country in the world, with only Somalia ranking worse. Despite this reputation, Afghan governmental officials are making efforts to reduce corruption. This has included the Afghanistan Supreme Court establishing the country’s first Anti-Corruption Tribunal.
In Orya Khil Village in Kabul Province, wooden culverts were causing a problem for residents and travelers. The structures were not sturdy enough to withstand rain, floods, and heavy traffic, leading to muddy and washed-out roads. Residents were unable to access markets, schools, and government and basic health services, especially during the winter months. Because the village lies on a widely traveled road to unstable and insecure provinces, it had also turned into an area of insurgent activity
Hamkari de Kandahar Lepara (cooperation for Kandahar) is the Afghan Government’s strategy to provide the people of Kandahar with security, representative governance, and social service delivery through the Afghan Government and the international community. The plan combines improved governance with development and stabilization efforts in Kandahar City, a previous Taliban stronghold that has suffered from a lack of community engagement with the government.
Women in Hilmand Province, located in Afghanistan’s conservative south, live under extremely restrictive conditions. They rarely leave their homes and it is difficult for development activities to reach them. Nevertheless, the Department of Women’s Affairs has played an active role in the province since 2002, maintaining women’s centers in several locations that serve as the only resource centers where women can socialize, receive vocational training, and hold events.
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