2nd Annual National Conference of the Afghan Women Judges Association in Kabul Afghanistan, 03 September 2013

More than 180 female judges from across Afghanistan discussed problems they face while going about their duties, at a three-day conference of the Afghan Women Judges Association which concluded in the capital, Kabul, today. Due to security problems and social stigma, female judges work in only five provinces – Kabul, Balkh, Herat, Takhar and Baghlan – and make up just 10 per cent of the total number of Afghan judges, according to the Association. On the security front, anti-government elements have targeted the Afghan legal sector. UNAMA’s latest report on the protection of civilians noted that four such attacks against courthouses and judicial and prosecution staff, carried out during the first six months of this year, killed 57 and injured 145, including judges, prosecutors, legal and clerical staff.