Tetra Tech DPK supports the rule of law in Afghanistan through implementation of the USAID-funded Rule of Law Sector – Formal (RLS-F) project. One way in which Tt DPK furthers the rule of law in Afghanistan is by raising the legal awareness of citizens through its public outreach activities. Through carefully designed programs that promote human rights and access to justice, outdated attitudes and perceptions that in the past have hindered the development of a more open and just society are now slowing changing.

One such example is Ms. Bibi Hakmeena. Ms. Hakmeena attended several of the many USAID-sponsored town hall meetings in the province of Khost that were organized by Tt DPK together with its local partner, the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan. At these forums Ms. Hakmeena learned the tools necessary to assume a leadership role in her community. She has now developed into a champion of the rule of law in Khost and a tireless advocate in trying to break down feelings of mistrust among locals toward the legal system.

Ms. Hakmeena believes that the forums improved her skills both as a leader and problem solver as well as elevated her overall credibility in the community. In fact, her village recently elected her to the provincial council to help solve the many difficult disputes that have plagued the area for some time.

She is also currently taking part of efforts to secure the release of a prisoner who has served his full sentence, while demanding the rights of another prisoner to confront his witnesses at a trial. It is with individuals like Ms. Hakmeena that the future of Afghanistan depends, and Tt DPK is committed to partnering with Afghan NGO’s to ensure that more citizens like her have the opportunity to assume a leadership role in their communities.

For more information, please visit the USAID site here.