A Dialogue with H.E. Abdul Salam Azimi, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan
Afghanistan Working Group Public Event
Rebuilding Afghanistan's justice system and establishing the rule of law are critical components of the stabilization process in Afghanistan. Some progress has been made following the adoption of a new constitution in 2004 and the appointment of capable reformers to head the Ministry of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, and the Supreme Court, but enormous obstacles remain. Human resources and the physical infrastructure of the system have been devastated, corruption is endemic, political violence continues to target government officials, and a political culture that adheres to the rule of law is fundamentally absent.
H.E. Abdul Salam Azimi is Afghanistan's first-ever supreme court chief justice appointed by an elected president and approved by the legislature. Under his leadership, the supreme court and the judicial system have begun nationwide reforms. His court has also heard and ruled on several important constitutional issues, which are helping to shape the future of law and politics in Afghanistan. Prior to his appointment to the supreme court, Justice Azimi served as deputy chairman of Afghanistan's Constitutional Commission, and was one of its primary drafters. A scholar of law and sharia, Justice Azimi served previously as rector of Kabul University, and director of the legislative department of the Ministry of Justice. Justice Azimi has lived, studied, and worked in Egypt, Pakistan, Kuwait, and the United States.
The United States Institute of Peace invites you to a discussion of these critical issues surrounding the challenges and prospects of bringing justice and the rule of law to Afghanistan on the occasion of the visit of Chief Justice Azimi.
Media Inquiries
Please contact Ian Larsen (+1.202.429.3870) or Lauren Sucher (+1.202.429.3822) in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
Archived Audio
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1:30:00 - 15.8MB
Speakers
- HE Abdul Salam Azimi
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan - J Alexander Thier, Moderator
U.S. Institute of Peace
