Afghanistan: Ghani takes 'serious measures' against child sexual abuse
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 September 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan: Ghani takes 'serious measures' against child sexual abuse, 23 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/561d04ab12.html [accessed 23 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 23, 2015
By RFE/RL
The Afghan presidency says President Ashraf Ghani has undertaken "serious measures" to prevent sexual abuse of children in the country.
Ghani's office quoted him as telling "all security authorities of the country" via video teleconference on September 23 that "the laws, culture, and religious values of the people of Afghanistan recognize sexual abuse of children as one of the severest crimes and violations of human rights."
Ghani directed all ranks of the Afghan defense and security forces to prevent "any such acts through taking instructive, reformative, and punitive measures."
The move follows reports that Afghan forces who worked with U.S. military personnel sexually assaulted boys, and that U.S. troops were told to ignore suspicions of abuse.
The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, General John Campbell, said on September 22 that President Ghani had assured him the government "will not tolerate abuse of its children."
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
