Afghan

The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan continues to take a heavy toll on the country’s civilians

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan keep rising, finds UN report

31 July 2009
The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan continues to take a heavy toll on the country’s civilians, according to the United Nations mission there, which recorded over 1,000 deaths in the first six months of 2009 – 24 per cent more than during the same period last year.
Kai Eide, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan

Justice key to ensuring human rights for all Afghans – UN envoy

21 July 2009
The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan today called for strengthening the country’s justice system, which he stressed is fundamental for ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights.
A ballot for the 20 August 2009 elections in Afghanistan

Preparations in full swing for Afghan polls, says UN mission

20 July 2009
With one month to go until Afghans elect the country’s next leader, the United Nations said today that preparations are in full swing and that no effort will be spared to ensure security, considered the biggest challenge for the elections.
A ballot for the 20 August 2009 elections in Afghanistan

Security Council stresses need for free, fair and secure Afghan polls next month

15 July 2009
The Security Council today welcomed the Afghan-led preparations for next month’s presidential and provincial council elections, and stressed the importance of “free, fair, transparent, credible, secure and inclusive” polls.

Terrorism kills more Afghan civilians than any military action – UN mission

13 July 2009
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has spoken out against the use of suicide bombings and other terrorist activities, which it says kills more civilians than any other military action.
Girls attending the community-based school in the village of Hussain Khel (file photo)

Violence against Afghan women widespread and unpunished, finds UN report

8 July 2009
Violence against women, including rape, is widespread in Afghanistan, according to a new United Nations report, which details the extent of the problem against a backdrop of impunity and a failure by authorities to protect women’s rights.
Qargha Lake in Kabul, Afghanistan

Better water management key to tackling Afghan poverty, UN envoy says

7 July 2009
The inefficient management of Afghanistan’s water resources is critical to both the country’s widespread poverty and deadly tribal conflicts over territory, a United Nations envoy said today, calling for better management to help foster stability and build prosperity.
Girls attending the community-based school in the village of Hussain Khel (file photo)

UN mission helping to boost aid effectiveness in Afghanistan

6 July 2009
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is helping to increase the effectiveness of aid to the South Asian nation by boosting cooperation between the Government and donors.
Posters of candidates line the streets in Afghanistan for the 20 August 2009 presidential election

Afghanistan: UN envoy sees potential to end conflict amid ‘complex’ situation

30 June 2009
The current situation in Afghanistan – marked by the most intense fighting in years, and upcoming presidential polls – is extremely complex, but if managed well could also become a turning point in ending the conflict, the top United Nations envoy to the country said today.

Infrastructure critical to stimulate Afghan economic growth – UN envoy

29 June 2009
The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has stressed the need for investment in large infrastructure projects, which he said would connect the region and stimulate economic growth.