An Assessment of Afghanistan Legislative Efforts in Relation to International Environmental Commitments

Abstract

Afghanistan formally joined the United Nations in 1946 and remains is a strong participant in this important organization, particularly in the United Nations Environmental Program. Afghanistan signed the (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora on October 30, 1985, as part of its commitment to environmental Protection, in 2006 Afghanistan enacted an Environmental Law. My research is based on librarian methods which depend on national and international materials, and has exhaustively analyzed the international treaties that Afghanistan has ratified, as well as its environmental legislation. In addition, to approach its international duties, the country formed a National Environmental Protection Agency and adopted a special law for the protection of the environment. Furthermore, Afghanistan has established six regulations at a lower legislative level to effectively address environmental issues. The government has also included environmental crimes in its penal law, including punishments for such offenses. However, while Afghanistan has made efforts in terms of environmental legislation and involvement in international treaties, there are certain shortcomings. The Afghan government's commitment to international environmental and climate change duties looks insufficient, and its legal efforts fall short of the mark. Furthermore, international cooperation in this area is limited. Finally, it is suggested that the Afghan government enhance its participation in international treaties and conferences concerning the environment and climate change. Afghanistan should broaden and speed up the legislative process to achieve its environmental legal duties, while also upgrading its efforts in the sphere of environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.