NEW YORK, September 20, 2023 – As a founding organization of the Prosecutors for Prosecutors (PFP) campaign, the International Organization for Transitional Justice and Peace (ITJP) remains unwavering in its commitment to support saving the lives of Afghan prosecutors. ITJP fully endorses and supports ongoing efforts to meticulously document the alleged murders and torture of Afghan prosecutors and those in the justice system, with the ultimate aim of presenting these compelling cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Disturbing reports received by the US Association of Prosecuting Attorneys shows that since August 15, 2021, 29 Afghan prosecutors have tragically fallen victim to murder or torture, either at the hands of the Taliban or criminals released by the Taliban. The Taliban also face allegations of hundreds of murders and targeted assassinations of prosecutors and members of the justice system prior to August 15.
While US Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and partner organizations diligently work to document additional instances of alleged murders and torture, and receiving statements from surviving witnesses, ITJP calls for a comprehensive and verified documentation process by these esteemed organizations. ITJP stands ready to support all ongoing initiatives dedicated to bringing these cases and witnesses to the attention of the ICC. True to its core mission, ITJP is dedicated to collaborating in the documentation of core international crimes and human rights violations and subsequently presenting them to the appropriate bodies, including the ICC.
Moreover, in its recent and united efforts, the PFP campaign leadership has formally asked the US Congress to expand the #AfghanAdjustmentAct to include Afghan prosecutors and Justice Sector personnel.
“The U.S. military has done honorable work in proposing legislative language in the 2023 Afghan Adjustment Act that seeks to expand Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) protection to those who supported them and are now in grave danger. We support their efforts and endorse their approach with the friendly amendment that SIV protection is extended to all justice sector personnel–including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and investigators; all those who did their duty facing the Taliban and other terrorists in courtrooms”, stated the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
To effectively manage the campaign and address matters related to the support and relocation of Afghan prosecutors, Yama Rayeen, Director of the ITJP and an advisory committee member, said “The PFP Campaign has established a dedicated task force and an advisory committee comprised of Afghans with experience in the previous Afghan justice system to provide valuable insights and counsel to the campaign’s management”.
