A leading human rights organization says some U.S.-backed Afghan police forces are getting away with serious abuses, including murder and rape.
Human Rights Watch released a report Monday that says their findings raise questions about the Western exit strategy from Afghanistan and handing full control of security to Afghan forces by the end of 2014, when all foreign troops are due to leave.
HRW's Asia director, Brad Adams, said pressure to reduce international troop levels should not be at the expense of the rights of the Afghans.
HRW said its investigation had raised "concerns" about the Afghan government's ability to arm, fund and vet members of its armed forces.
The rights organization said the Afghan government's failure to responsibly monitor the forces has encouraged more human rights violations and has generated support for the Taliban.
Human Rights Watch urged the U.S. and the Afghan government to "avoid the rush" to set up new units of the Afghan Local Police around the country without proper vetting, oversight and accountability.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
