KABUL, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Afghan Human Rights Research and Advocacy Consortium (HRRAC) said in its report released on Sunday that majority of Afghans believe the security situation is getting worse since 2004.

    "Sixty three percent of Afghans believe that the security situation in their communities has worsened since 2004," the report said.

    In the similar research HRRAC conducted in 2004, 75 percent of the people interviewed believed security had improved over the past year while the majority believe the security situation is getting worse four years later in 2008.

    The study conducted by HRRAC in six provinces of Afghanistan, showing that the majority of people interviewed believe there has been a general rise in crime and violence over the past four years.

    "While the world is engaged in celebrating International Peace Day on Sunday, ordinary Afghans reveal their disillusionment as they confront the daily reality of the deteriorating security situation," the report said.

    "Against the background of increasing criminality, most believe that warlords in their area have retained or increased the amount of weapons in their possession compared to four years ago," it added.

    The insecurity is seen as stemming from insurgent activity, corruption within the security forces, the misuse of power by local warlords and the negative influence of neighboring states, it noted.

    Meanwhile, the report called for the establishment of a sense of responsibility among officials towards the nation and towards the poor, the eradication of unemployment and poverty and the elimination of illiteracy which are believed to bring security in the war-torn country.

    HRRAC is a group of 14 Afghan and International organizations committed to promote peace and human rights in Afghanistan.