The “Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan” based on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights,
social justice, and sustainable development. This initiative, which has existed since September 2022 is a political-
intellectual initiative aimed at creating an inclusive platform for dialogue among Afghanistan’s political forces, resistance
groups, civil society, and intellectual elites.
This initiative was introduced by activists of the Austrian Relief Committee for Afghanistan (ARC), which implemented
substantial refugee programs from 1980 to 1994. Key figures include Mr. Nur Safa, an Afghan-born former Austrian
diplomat, and his wife, Ms. Fahima Zahma, a human rights activist. They currently represent the Vienna Process Office,
providing support to conference participants and facilitating communication.
The former head of ARC, Professor Dr. Christian Reder, who has published several books on Afghanistan (including
works in Farsi), contributed as head of the humanitarian RD Foundation Vienna by providing core funding for the five
conferences, as well as for the publication of the book, The Vienna Process for a Demcratic Afghanistan, A Brief Report in
English and Farsi.
Essential contributors and supporters also include Ms. Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s Ambassador and Permanent
Representative to Austria, and Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch, former Austrian diplomat and head of the Austrian Institute for
International Affairs.
For inquiries, please contact the Vienna Process Office:
[email protected]
The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan works to support a stable and democratic future for Afghanistan. It promotes national unity and encourages a system of governance that reflects the country's diverse society. The initiative is committed to inclusivity, ensuring representation across all ethnic groups, religions, and genders. It also aims to build strong relationships with neighbouring countries and the wider international community.
Our initiative emphasizes the inclusion of all segments of Afghan society, including girls and women, to provide the younger generations a better future in safety and prosperity. We advocate for the establishment of a broad umbrella organization to unify various political, social, and cultural forces in Afghanistan and secure the safe return of all Afghan citizens in order to build a country based on human rights, civic values, and equality.
The central demands of our initiative include the immediate cessation of human rights violations by the Taliban, the establishment of a legitimate political system through democratic elections, and the upholding of international laws and human rights standards. We call for the active involvement of the United Nations and the international community to support these objectives and to ensure the fair distribution of humanitarian aid within Afghanistan.
Focusing on the Afghan civil population is crucial because sustainable peace and democracy can only be achieved if the governance system resonates with the needs and aspirations of the local people. By prioritizing the involvement of Afghan citizens in the political process, we ensure that the solutions are grounded in the realities and experiences of those most affected by the conflict. This grassroots approach helps build a strong foundation for national unity and long-term stability.