Afghanistan Language

The Office of English Language Programs creates and implements high quality, targeted English language programs overseas to promote mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. Staff, including overseas-based Regional English Language Officers, plan, conduct and support programs sponsored by American Embassies and Consulates. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

For much of the year, there was no functioning constitution or legal provisions prohibiting or protecting against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, language, or social status. However, the December 5 Bonn Agreement stated that the 1964 Constitution of Afghanistan would apply on an interim basis until the adoption of a new constitution. Those provisions of the 1964 Constitution relating to the monarchy and to the executive and legislative bodies would not apply; however, provisions prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, and religion would be in effect. Despite the legal primacy of the 1964 Constitution at year's end, local custom and practices generally prevailed. Discrimination against women remained prevalent throughout the country. Its severity varied from area to area, depending on the local leadership's attitude toward education for girls and employment for women and on local attitudes. Historically the minority Shi'a faced discrimination from the maj ... [Read More]

2005

1111--02/12/05   Ambassador Khalilzad Opens American Corner at Kabul University; Announcement of English Language Training Center ; Kabul, Afghanistan ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

The Constitution provides for freedom of assembly, association, and the right to form political parties without prior permission; however, this right was restricted in practice. Insecurity and interference from local authorities inhibited freedom of assembly and association in some areas outside Kabul. Political parties based on ethnicity, language, Islamic school of thought, and region were not allowed; however, political parties generally were able to conduct activities throughout the country without opposition or hindrance, except in regions where antigovernment violence affected overall security (see Section 3). The October 2003 Political Parties Law obliges parties to register with the Ministry of Justice and requires political parties to pursue objectives that are consistent with the principles of Islam. There was a report that Noorulhaq Olomi's Afghanistan National United Party was denied the right to registration, allegedly because Noorulhaq was a communist, despite meeting all ... [Read More]

Reconstruction

U.S. sponsored American Corners provide English-language materials on American history, culture, politics and economics as well as Internet resources, English language classes and seminars on topics related to the U.S. This is the first of five American Corners to be opened in Afghanistan. The other four American Corners will located in the cities of Mazar-e-Sharif, Jalalabad and Heart and at Kabul University. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

U.S. officials supported efforts during the CLJ to include specific language in the draft Constitution to provide for equal rights for men and women and to incorporate moderate language on Islam. ...

During the reporting period, the Government provided guards for the five or six unused Sikh gurdwaras in Kabul, as well as a shuttle for worshippers. In the summer of 2002,President Karzai visited the Sikh school (co-located with the only functioning gurdwara), after which the Ministry of Education assigned four part-time Dari language teachers to the school. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

Section 5 Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Disability, Language, or Social Status ... [Read More]

Deputy Secretary Armitage Heralds Reestablishment of Fulbright Program in Afghanistan

Under the new program, in September 2003, a minimum of 20 Afghan students will attend pre-academic training in the United States to become familiar with U.S. culture and academic principles, and to enhance their English language skills, before enrolling at selected U.S. colleges and universities. Among the priority first-year program themes will be primary and secondary school teaching, English language teaching, Study of the United States, public administration and public policy, journalism and media, and economics and business. The participants will enhance their academic and professional skills, enabling them to lead in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, and to strengthen ties between their country and the United States. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan (04/05)

Afghanistan's ethnically and linguistically mixed population reflects its location astride historic trade and invasion routes leading from Central Asia into South and Southwest Asia. Pashtuns are the dominant ethnic group, accounting for about 38-44% of the population. Tajik (25%), Hazara (10-19%), Uzbek (6-8%), Aimaq, Turkmen, Baluch, and other small groups also are represented. Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto are official languages. Dari is spoken by more than one-third of the population as a first language and serves as a lingua franca for most Afghans, though Pashto is spoken throughout the Pashtun areas of eastern and southern Afghanistan. Tajik and Turkic languages are spoken widely in the north. Smaller groups throughout the country also speak more than 70 other languages and numerous dialects. ... [Read More]

Afghanistan

1111--02/12/05   Ambassador Khalilzad Opens American Corner at Kabul University; Announcement of English Language Training Center ; Kabul, Afghanistan ... [Read More]