This briefing note provides a short overview of the conflict in Afghanistan's recent history, and the ongoing discussions and initiatives to address human rights violations and war crimes there. The state-building process, launched in 2001 after the ousting of the Taliban regime, has been slow and cumbersome. Important political achievements have been made, such as the adoption of a new constitution, holding of presidential and parliamentary elections, and the establishment of a new government. Yet many significant challenges remain.
