Overview of Civil Society Organizations: Afghanistan

Abstract

Civil society means ordinary people and the many ways in which they endeavor to organize and protect themselves in times of peace, war, periods of political repression, or during post-conflict reconstruction. Individuals, families, and communities can all participate in civil society. Its diversity reflects human needs and the cultural, religious, economic, and political practices formulated to address those needs. In Afghanistan, civil society structures and organizations include Sufi (a brotherhood within Islam) movements and khanqahs (buildings designed specifically for gatherings of a Sufi brotherhood); religious institutions such as mosques, madrassaa, or takiakhana (shi’ite mosques); water management committees; shuras (community councils of elders); cultural circles; artistic and professional associations; and nonprofit or nongovernment assistance organizations. Many of these are ancient structures that continue to form the building blocks of Afghan civil society.