E/2003/27 E/CN.6/2003/12 Recalling further the funding commitments made at the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, held in Tokyo on 21 and 22 January 2002, Welcoming the establishment of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission in June 2002, Welcoming also the holding of the Emergency Loya Jirga in June 2002, establishing the Afghan Transitional Authority, and the participation of more than two hundred women in the meeting, Welcoming further the continuing commitment of the Afghan Transitional Administration to the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by women and girls, to the active participation of Afghan women in political, economic and social life, to the education of girls as well as boys and to the opportunity for women to work outside the home, Welcoming the return of more than three million children to school, including one million girls, since March 2002, and the international support that has made it possible, Welcoming also the inclusion of women in the Transitional Administration, the Judicial Reform Commission, the Independent Human Rights Commission and the Constitutional Drafting Commission and stressing the importance of the full and effective participation of women in all decision-making processes regarding the future of Afghanistan, Welcoming further 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, Welcoming the efforts of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, which have hosted 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 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, 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 ratification by the Afghan Transitional Authority of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women13 on 5 March 2003; 4