E/2004/27 E/CN.6/2004/14 the Constitutional Commission and the Secretariat of the Constitutional Loya Jirga, and stressing the importance of the full and effective participation of women in all decision-making processes regarding the future of Afghanistan, “Welcoming also the fact that the National Development Framework of the Transitional Administration reflects the needs of, and the importance of the role to be taken by, women and girls in the process of peace-building, reconstruction and development, and welcoming in this regard the assistance provided by the international community to achieve these goals, “Welcoming further the efforts of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, which host millions of Afghan refugees, especially women and children, and have provided humanitarian assistance in many areas, such as education, health and other basic services, “Recognizing that, in spite of recent improvements, women in Afghanistan continue to face gross violations of their rights in many parts of the country and in particular in rural areas, “Recognizing also that Afghan women are primary stakeholders and agents of change, who must have the opportunity to identify their own needs, interests and priorities in all sectors of society as full partners in the rebuilding of their society, “Strongly emphasizing that a safe environment, free from violence, discrimination and abuse, for all Afghans, is essential for a viable and sustainable recovery and reconstruction process, “1. Welcomes: “(a) The ongoing commitments made by the Afghan Transitional Authority to recognize, protect and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to respect and promote respect for international humanitarian law; “(b) The provision of the new Constitution which states that the citizens of Afghanistan, whether men or women, are equal before the law; “(c) The ratification by the Afghan Transitional Administration of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 5 March 2003; “(d) The ongoing security sector reform processes being undertaken by the Afghanistan Transitional Administration with the support of the international community, including the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration of former combatants and the recruitment of a new cadre of women police; “2. Also welcomes the report of the Secretary-General to the Commission on the Status of Women on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan; “3. Urges Government: the Afghan Transitional Administration and future “(a) To ensure that any legislative, administrative and other measures support the full enjoyment by women and girls of human rights and 36