Participants of the Vienna Process gathered outdoors
Building an inclusive democratic platform
Vienna Process conference participants in session
Dialogue, documentation and democratic cooperation
Group photograph from a Vienna Process conference
A growing international public record

A democratic future, shaped through dialogue

The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan

An independent, inclusive platform bringing Afghans and international partners together around democratic values, human rights and a peaceful political future.

The process

Dialogue that leads to action

The Vienna Process connects democratic actors, documents shared commitments and turns recurring conferences into a durable public record.

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A public record of democratic cooperation

Statements, media coverage and publications are organized by language, date and event so visitors can find authoritative material quickly.

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Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan(Official Website)

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Welcome

The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan is founded on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. Launched in September 2022, this political and intellectual initiative aims to provide an inclusive platform for dialogue among Afghanistan's political forces, resistance groups, civil society, and intellectual elites.

The Vienna Process was initiated by members of the Austrian Relief Committee for Afghanistan (ARC), an organization that implemented extensive human rights programs for Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Afghanistan from 1980 to 1994.

Professor Christian Reder, a retired university professor, Mr. Nur Safa, a former Austrian diplomat, and Fahima Zahma, a human rights activist, are the founders of the Vienna Process. They currently oversee and manage the Vienna Process Office.

Financial Support for the Vienna Process

Professor Christian Rieder is the former President of the Austrian Relief Committee for Afghanistan (ARC) and the current President of the Research, Development and Human Rights Foundation (RD Foundation). He is also the author of several books on Afghanistan.

Driven by his longstanding commitment to Afghanistan and its people, Professor Reder has provided both financial and moral support for the Vienna Process conferences as well as for the publication of the book The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan: A Brief Report (published in English and Persian).

The Austrian Government, in line with its longstanding commitment to serving as a mediator in support of just causes, provides diplomatic, legal, and security assistance whenever necessary.

It is also noteworthy that distinguished figures such as Ms. Manizha Bakhtari, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Austria, and Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch, former Austrian diplomat, joined the Vienna Process and supported it through its fifth conference.

For further information or inquiries, please contact the Vienna Process Office.

Official Email:
[email protected]

What is the main goal of the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan?

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.

How does the initiative plan to ensure an inclusive future for Afghanistan?

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.

What are our central demands for a Democratic Afghanistan?

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.

Why is the focus on the Afghan civil population crucial to our success?

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.

THE VIENNA PROCESS FOR A DEMOCRATIC AFGHANISTAN

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