More than 150 Afghan civil society representatives and Afghan diaspora from 17 EU countries conducted consultations and developed the “Living Principles” document for an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan. This week, a delegation of Afghan Civil Society representatives visited Brussels to lobby, advocate and discuss how EU and its allies can support an inclusive Afghan peace process.

The “Living Principles” document was handed over to the EU officials and diplomats including EU parliament members, NATO representatives, World bank and other high level diplomats. The Living principles document will help to guide the negotiating parties to reach to an inclusive and people-demanded sustainable peace.

The CSO representatives emphasized that a mechanism to ensure the people’s voices are heard is crucial for an inclusive Afghan peace process. Afghan civil society delegation met with members of the EU Parliament and sought support for an inclusive Afghan peace process and immediate ceasefire.

Representatives of Afghan Diaspora in Europe stressed on strong diaspora network as an asset for effective support.

The EU officials expressed their support to the inclusivity and ensuring the living principles are in place.

Mr. Staffan de Mistura said: “A first priority for Afghan CSO should be to demand a platform to assure the voices of the population, in particular women, in the Afghan peace process.

EU Special Representative to Afghanistan – Mr. Roland Kobia thanked the CSOs representatives for the good proposals in the Living Principles

EPD is glad to be part of this initiative and here you can read the “Living Principles” document.

LIVING PRINCIPLES FOR AN INCLUSIVE AFGHAN PEACE PROCESS 6 March