Afghan

Tom Koenigs

In farewell remarks, top UN envoy expresses hope, concern for Afghanistan

30 December 2007
Tom Koenigs, the outgoing Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, today voiced both hope for the strife-torn nation which is moving forward, but expressed concern for the country's security situation.
WFP convoy

Ongoing insecurity hampering humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan – UN

17 December 2007
Having to operate under tighter security restrictions has curtailed the efforts of United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in delivering vital humanitarian aid to thousands of Afghans in preparation for winter, the world body’s mission in the country said today.
Afghanistan's rugged landscape

Killing of Afghan aid worker sparks outrage from UN agency chief

6 December 2007
The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has spoken out against the killing of a humanitarian worker in southern Afghanistan, gunned down while delivering vital food aid in one of the most dangerous parts of the violence-ridden nation.

Afghanistan: UN mission to boost dialogue with former insurgents, envoy says

3 December 2007
The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said today it intends to continue reaching out to a number of groups previously involved in the insurgency that are now seeking to end the violence and participate in rebuilding the fledgling democracy.
Louise Arbour

Top UN rights official urges safeguards to avoid civilian deaths in Afghanistan

20 November 2007
Noting that civilian casualties resulting from international military operations in Afghanistan have reached “alarming” levels this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today urged that measures be taken to avoid the loss of innocent life.

UN anti-drugs chief urges stepped-up action to tackle surge in Afghan opium

16 November 2007
The head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called on the international community to step up its efforts to reign in Afghanistan’s booming opium production, which not only accounts for over half the country’s gross domestic product but is also funding insurgents in the strife-torn nation.

Top UN human rights official to visit Afghanistan

13 November 2007
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour will visit Afghanistan from 15 to 21 November with the aim of engaging the country’s Government in its efforts to promote and protect human rights.

Terrorism cannot divert Afghanistan from path toward peace – Security Council

8 November 2007
The Security Council today strongly condemned the suicide attack which claimed the lives of numerous civilians in the northern Afghan town of Baghlan just days ago, reiterating that no act of terrorism can reverse the country’s path toward peace.
Louise Arbour

Perpetrators of Afghan suicide attack must be brought to justice – UN rights chief

7 November 2007
The top United Nations human rights official has condemned yesterday’s bombing in northern Afghanistan, calling on authorities in the strife-torn nation to bring those responsible for the attack which left at least 41 people dead, including numerous children and six members of Parliament, to justice.

As winter approaches in Afghanistan, UN urges end to attacks against aid convoys

29 October 2007
With the onset of winter in Afghanistan expected to cut remote regions off from aid deliveries, the United Nations Assistance Mission there (UNAMA) today called on warring factions to allow safe passage and access for humanitarian workers delivering relief aid.