In the present report the Independent Expert welcomes recent developments regarding a national transitional justice strategy for Afghanistan; draws attention, however, to continuing human rights violations including repressive acts by factional commanders; arbitrary arrest and other violations by State security forces; unregulated activities of private security contractors; threats to human rights posed by the expanding illegal drug industry; sub-standard conditions in prisons; violations of women's rights; abuses linked to customary law decisions; violations of children's rights; inadequate attention to the disabled; land claims and other issues faced by returning refugees and IDPs; and arbitrary arrest, illegal detentions and abuses committed by the United States-led Coalition forces.

24 p.

Prepared pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 2003/77.