Afghan

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.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN anti-drug chief Antonio Maria Costa at G8 meeting on Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s security obstacles ‘interconnected,’ Ban says

26 June 2009
Drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism are among the “interconnected” security challenges Afghanistan faces, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling on the international community to continue supporting the South Asian nation’s efforts to move towards a better future.
A typical village in northern Afghanistan not far from where the roadside bombing that killed three staff members of a UNHCR partner occurred

Attack on Afghan aid workers prompts UN call for better security

24 June 2009
The acting United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, Tekeste Tekie, today called for better security for aid workers, after three national staff of a local non-governmental organization (NGO) were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in was destroyed by a roadside bomb.
A farmer in a potato field in Bamyan

All Afghans must have say in peace process, says top UN envoy

18 June 2009
The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan today called for an inclusive and “Afghan-owned” peace process to silence weapons and allow for reconciliation and rebuilding in the South Asian nation.
A ballot for the 20 August 2009 elections in Afghanistan

Crucial to ensure credible Afghan polls, stresses UN envoy

15 June 2009
The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has stressed the need to ensure that the elections slated for August are credible and that their results are accepted by all, noting that the candidates can contribute to this by campaigning with “dignity and fairness.”

UN agency office in northern Afghanistan attacked by grenade

8 June 2009
The office of the United Nations agriculture agency was attacked in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, with a rocket-propelled grenade having been fired at the compound.
Flooded Kokaldash village in Jawzjan Province, Afghanistan

Some 12,000 households hit by floods in northern Afghanistan, UN reports

3 June 2009
Some 12,000 households in nine provinces in northern and north-eastern Afghanistan have been affected by floods since April, according to the latest United Nations-backed assessments.
Women waiting to vote in Afghanistan

UN begins training 35,000 Afghan police officers ahead of elections

1 June 2009
The first batch of Afghan police wrapped up a training programme today that will eventually reach tens of thousands of officers in preparation for this year’s presidential and provincial council elections, announced the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).