Delivered by UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VOLKER TÜRK At INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR AFGHAN WAR VICTIMS - The Hague I send my warm greetings to the Afghanistan Memory Home Museum and all those participating in this Convention for Afghan war victims. Afghanistan has been through decades of conflict and turmoil with widespread violations and abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law. Today, many Afghans are experiencing the long-term impacts of violent conflict, including disability and trauma. Entrenched impunity has enabled rampant abuse of power at all levels – from the domestic sphere to the de facto authorities. Generations of Afghans have been denied truth, justice and reparations. The international response to these issues must be comprehensive and holistic. Victims and survivors must be at the centre, particularly women, girls, but also members of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Truth telling and bearing witness are important components of this holistic response, helping to acknowledge, honour and memorialise what victims have suffered – and their resilience as survivors. The United Nations is playing a part in these efforts. Our human rights officers have collected the accounts of victims and survivors over many years, to shed light on the impact of the conflict on civilians, and to advocate for accountability. Today’s Convention can help to raise awareness, elevate the voices of victims, and enable their full participation in efforts towards justice and respect for human rights. I wish you a successful gathering.