Peace and Securtiy
Peace pigeon sign, peace day, ©ACSFo, Kabul, 2007
Introduction
Peace and security are a matter of central concern for the people of Afghanistan. In large parts of the country, most of all in the south and south east of Afghanistan, instability and insecurity prevail. This, of course, is a hindrance for development. Security and development therefore are closely related. Once a basic level of security will have been achieved that will allow for progress in other fields.

HBS is tackling matters of peace and security at the national as well as the regional level.
With our partner organizations The Liaison Office (TLO) we have been working in Paktia, Paktika and Khost since 2003. We have supported research on a number of issues, and we have supported exchange between traditional and newly established political structures. In 2009, HBS partner organization Women’s Assistance Association (WAA) held a women’s jirga in Paktia that attracted a lot of attention and was fully broadcasted on local TV. Since 2009, HBS is looking into possibilities to engage in cross-border exchange in the province of Nangahar.

On the regional level, HBS supports a trilateral exchange program between Pakistan, India and Afghanistan to share experience and bolster ties between the three countries.

Internal Security
TLO-Policy Brief
Tribal Jurisdiction and Agreements: The Key to Sub-National Governance in Southeastern Afghanistan
March 10, 2010 - In many parts of Afghanistan, non-state institutions remain relevant to security and stability, despite repeated and concerted state-led attempts from the late 19th century onward to expand its administrative influence, including control over the provision of security and the administration of justice. This policy brief examines the historical background of tribal contracts, to what extent they still play a role in local governance today, and what implications can be drawn for the current promotion of community governance arrangements. Download Policy Paper (PDF in English, 14 pages, 336 Kb)