The Rule of Law in Afghanistan: Insights from the World Justice Project’s New Report

As governments face the devastating economic and social effects of the coronavirus pandemic, identifying and addressing rule of law issues related to transparency, corruption, human rights, and the delivery of justice will be paramount to the recovery process. The World Justice Project’s (WJP) new report on the rule of law in Afghanistan presents a unique portrait of the country’s rule of law strengths and weaknesses by using extensive survey data collected from the general public, in-country legal practitioners, and ground-breaking interviews with individuals incarcerated in the Afghan prison system.

The latest edition of this report, which reflects the experiences and perceptions of more than 17,500 Afghans interviewed over five years, presents a comprehensive summary of the rule of law situation in Afghanistan and contains new, in-depth findings on the performance of the criminal justice system.

USIP and WJP hosted an in-depth conversation on the report’s findings, as well as crucial factors for the rule of law in Afghanistan. Panelists also discussed how the report can encourage data-driven policy choices and guide program development to strengthen the rule of law.

For more information about this event, visit

Speakers:

Scott Worden, moderator

Director, Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs, USIP

Alejandro Ponce, introductory remarks

Chief Research Officer, World Justice Project

Amy Gryskiewicz, report presentation

Director, Criminal Justice Research, World Justice Project

Abdullah Ahmadzai

Country Representative, Afghanistan, The Asia Foundation

Ghizaal Haress

Ombudsperson, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.