The history, development and current status of clinical legal education in Afghanistan

This article examines the evolution of clinical legal education (CLE) in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 within the broader legal history and recent political events. Traditionally based on Sharia teachings, Afghanistan’s legal education was formalised in the twentieth century. Post-2001, international donors advanced legal education by introducing university-based legal clinics with simulation activities, in-house representation and Streetlaw initiatives. These programmes bridged theory and practice, equipping law students with essential skills and addressing community legal needs. However, the Taliban’s return in 2021 dismantled much of this progress. The prohibition of women’s education and employment, the dissolution of the Afghanistan Independent Bar Association and broader restrictions on legal professionals severely undermined the CLE system. Today, Afghanistan’s legal framework is dictated by religious edicts rather than a codified rule of law, placing legal education and professional practice in jeopardy. The article underscores the critical need for sustained international advocacy and support to safeguard legal education and uphold access to justice in Afghanistan. Despite the setbacks, the lessons learned from two decades of CLE development offer valuable insights for global legal education reform.