OVERVIEW

Strengthening Peace Building, Conflict Resolution and Governance in Afghanistan supports peacebuilding efforts in Afghanistan through policy research, grant making to Afghan civil society organizations (CSOs), and technical assistance to strengthen the legitimacy of Afghan government institutions.

The three goals include: 1) strengthening the capacity of CSOs in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and demand for good governance; 2) informing U.S., Afghan, and international policies and programming through research and fellowships; and 3) strengthening the capacity of the Afghan government to govern effectively and legitimately.

ACTIVITIES

• Institutionalize education, training, and curriculum development on peacebuilding and conflict resolution at universities and CSOs.
• Convene high-level policy meetings and public events on priority issues relating to peace and stability in Afghanistan.
• Work with the Afghanistan Independent Land Management Authority to develop a land registration process and support Afghan government institutions to build dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Conduct evidence-based policy research and briefing papers to inform policy debates and decisions on key issues related to preventing and mitigating conflict and promoting development, peace and stability in Afghanistan.
• Build on lessons learned from the 2014 elections to carry out CSO-led initiatives to encourage peaceful voter turn-out and to create a more informed electorate through locally-tailored media and outreach programs for forthcoming parliamentary elections.
• Implement activities to communicate positive masculinity messaging to change the attitudes of men from views of masculinity that reinforce violent behaviors toward a sense of masculinity based in nonviolent behaviors through public debates, training and local campaigns.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Trained more than 4,000 students and civil society representatives in conflict resolution and peace building.
• Promoted greater understanding of Afghanistan’s legal system through legal advice and awareness training for 1,196 women.
• Provided psychosocial and counseling sessions for 600 women.
• Trained 1,669 teachers at six teacher's training centers, and trained 1,200 people with disabilities on equitable access to justice.
• Provided legal representation for women who are survivors of domestic violence in 88 civil cases.
• Established a Peace Center in Nangarhar University, which has more than 205 students and faculty, and facilitated three inside the country and outside the country exposure visits.