2020 ALPA Annual Conference
American University of Afghanistan
Kabul

Highlights of the 2020 ALPA Annual Conference

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The 2020 ALPA Annual Conference, themed Advocating Peace, Human Rights & Transitional Justice in Afghanistan, held on January 21-22, 2020, at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), was a monumental success. Inaugurated by David Sidney, President of AUAF, the event gathered over 130 participants from 25+ universities, as well several think tanks, civil society, and international organizations.

 

The conference featured 14 parallel sessions in Farsi, Pashto, and English on topics such as human rights, democracy, criminal justice, the Taliban, and state-building in Afghanistan. Panels addressed critical socio-political issues amid the ongoing peace talks, including transitional justice for victims of violence and how peace might impact human rights advancements.

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In addition to the sessions, the conference hosted a vibrant book exhibition, with publishers showcasing their latest works, offering an enriching space for participants to engage with new literature. Several distinguished authors were recognized for their contributions in Persian, Pashto, and English through awards.

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The two-day event ended with a tour of Afghanistan's cultural treasures, as many attendees visited the Darul Aman Palace and Afghanistan Museum. The conference, supported by sponsors like the Legal Education Support Program-Afghanistan (LESPA), American University of Afghanistan, the Afghan-US Law Alumni Association (ALAA), and individual donors, demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing academic discussions on Afghanistan's future.