Afghan

In Kabul, Ban urges full support for Afghan peace and development efforts

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced support for the priorities laid out by the Afghan Government to advance peace and development and called on the country’s men and women to rally around these efforts, as he opened a major international conference in the capital, Kabul.

UN chief to appeal for Afghan unity at major international conference

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is headed to Kabul for a major international gathering on Tuesday at which he will call on Afghans to unite in the interest of peace and development in their country.

Afghanistan presents national priorities to UN and international partners

The United Nations today welcomed the priority programmes laid out by the Afghan Government in such areas as governance, development, and peace and security ahead of a major international conference to be held in the country later this month.

Security major challenge for Afghanistan in the coming months, says UN envoy

Security will be a major challenge in what is gearing up as a critical period for Afghanistan, which will be hosting a major international conference in the capital next month and holding parliamentary elections in September, the top United Nations envoy there said today.

Hollywood star visits Afghanistan to shine light on UN de-mining campaign

The actor Jeremy Renner, who shot to fame playing a bomb disposal expert in the Academy Award-winning film The Hurt Locker, has wrapped up a five-day visit to Afghanistan to highlight the real-life efforts of the United Nations to remove landmines from the war-scarred country.

Attack on UN vehicle in Afghan capital leaves one staff member dead

The United Nations has confirmed that one of its vehicles was shot at this morning in the Afghan capital, Kabul, resulting in the death of one staff member.

Security Council wraps up visit with pledge of sustained support for Afghanistan

Members of the Security Council wrapped up their visit to Afghanistan today, voicing their continued support for the country’s efforts to build a lasting peace and stressing the need for free and fair elections, improved governance and the upholding of human rights.

Vetting process for upcoming Afghan polls not thorough enough, says UN envoy

The top United Nations envoy in Afghanistan today voiced discontent with the process of vetting candidates ahead of September’s parliamentary elections, stating that it has not produced a satisfactory result.

Leading drug producer Afghanistan witnessing rise in addiction – UN

Afghanistan, the world’s leading producer of opium and hashish, is seeing an increasing number of its own citizens taking drugs, according to a new United Nations report released today, which found that around one million people – eight per cent of the population – suffer from addiction.

Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees go back home with UN support

An estimated 70,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland so far this year, an indication that an increasing number of those who fled have confidence that they can live in the country despite the prevailing security and socio-economic challenges, according to the United Nations refugee agency.