Afghanistan: UN officials urge reforms, fight against drug trade to ensure country’s security

18 December 2014 – As Afghanistan builds upon recent political developments, including the formation of a unity government, the country’s authorities and the international community must not ignore the immense challenges that lie ahead, from simmering insecurity to an escalating drug crisis, two senior United Nations officials declared today during their briefing to the Security Council.

“The upsurge in insurgent violence and concomitant increase in civilian casualties, the deepening budgetary shortfall, and delays in critical government appointments remind us that tackling these challenges will require collective determination and renewed focus,” Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Nicholas Haysom told the 15-member Council. “The Afghan people deserve nothing less.”

In September, presidential candidates, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, signed an agreement establishing a national unity Government, resolving months of political uncertainty and bringing an end to fears that the country was on the cusp of renewed internal strife.

“The agreement between the two candidates ended a political crisis that, if unresolved, would have at best left the country divided and at worst, could have reignited past cycles of conflicts,” said Mr. Haysom, who urged Afghanistan’s political leadership to now conclude its process for the appointment and approval of other senior Government officials. “A diverse, equitable and merit-based cabinet can strengthen the population’s confidence that Government intends to deliver on its promises.”

While the Government is clearing its first political hurdle, continued the UNAMA envoy, a broad range of critical issues still need to be addressed, including reforms focusing on public accountability and transparency as well as women’s rights, an end to ongoing budgetary difficulties, and full-fledged efforts to combat corruption.

Above all, Mr. Haysom noted, Afghanistan would struggle to build upon the devastation of the past if its issues of festering insecurity remained unresolved. As of 30 November, UNAMA, in fact, recorded more civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan than any other full year since 2008 with civilian casualties increasing 19 per cent overall from last year.

“The recent increase in security incidents is a cause for concern. It is too early to assess whether this surge is timed to coincide with the withdrawal of international military forces, or will become the new normal,” he stated. “Stability and prosperity will, quite simply, not be achieved in the absence of a sustainable peace.”  Read More at UN

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