TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 13

CONFIDENTIAL

AFGHANISTAN

Report by HM Embassy, Kabul and South Asia Department.

General Observations.

A new constitution, the first since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1973, is about to be considered by the newly- convoked Afghan Parliament. President Daoud's rule so far has been arbitrary and autocratic, but not widely repressive. He is making attempts to improve the administration of justice, stamp out corruption, and moderate the power of the landlords.

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

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by Post

Arbitrary arrests and imprisonment with- out trial are not uncommon in Afghanistan; but political prisoners are usually quietly released and there are no long term detainees.

Torture, if infrequent, is not unknown. The Afghan Minister Maiwandal is reputed to have died under torture in September 1973.

(iii) Slavery exists in the form of onerous obliga-

tions of peasant to landlord and debtor to creditor. Afghan society is highly strati-

fied.

In

5

5

^^

2

(iv)

(v)

The press and radio are closely controlled.

The administration of justice is corrupt and

5

deficient.

5

(vi)

The formation of trade unions and political organisations is officially proscribed, though the Government has turned a blind eye to the continued existence of one or two political organisations.

8

(vii)

We know of no general restrictions on the movement of Afghans outside their country. Many Afghans study abroad, in both East and West.

O

CONFIDENTIAL