Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a change of pace and direction in Afghanistan, where the worsening security situation is hampering the efforts of the Government, the United Nations and international partners to rebuild the strife-torn nation.
"Despite the enhanced capabilities of both the Afghan National Army and the international forces, the security situation has deteriorated markedly," Mr. Ban writes in a new report released today.
The number of security incidents in August rose to 983, the highest since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 and a 44 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2007.
Mr. Ban highlights three trends amid the recent deterioration in security, namely a greater focus by insurgent groups on areas that had been stable until now, more "sophisticated" planning of insurgent operations, and an increase in civilian casualties.
"Civilians are also being killed as a result of military operations carried out by Afghan and international security forces," he adds.
The deterioration of the security situation has hampered the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in carrying out its efforts, with 90 of the country's nearly 400 districts identified as areas of extreme risk. In addition, attacks on aid-related targets and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become more frequent and more deadly.
This is particularly disturbing given the worsening humanitarian situation in the country owing to a combination of conflict, drought and high food prices, which have left one-sixth of the population in need of food aid.
Mr. Ban says he is convinced that "a change of pace and direction is required," in which, among other things, every party to the Paris Conference that took place earlier this year must do its utmost to implement the commitments made there as early as possible.
"It is essential that the people of Afghanistan begin to see quickly and clearly that we have embarked on a new course and that it will produce results," he states.
The International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, held on 12 June, saw fresh pledges of resources for the country's rebuilding efforts, as well as the launch of the Government's five-year plan to reduce poverty and promote economic and social development, known as the Afghan National Development Strategy (ANDS).
"Ultimately, success will depend on our ability to bring about a 'political surge' that musters the political determination to address those areas in which international and Afghan efforts have been insufficient, and to accelerate progress where gains have been made," the Secretary-General writes.
He adds that the Paris conference, which saw not only the launch of the ANDS but also $21.4 billion in pledges for the country's development, is among the positive developments in recent months, in addition to the increase in poppy-free provinces from 13 to 18, as reported in a recent survey by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In a related development, UNAMA reported today that 190,000 children - most of them in the volatile southern districts of Helmand and Kandahar - could not be reached during a recent polio immunization drive because of obstruction or fighting.
"We continue to appeal to the community to support full and safe access for health workers and help the goal of ridding Afghanistan of polio for good," Spokesperson Adrian Edwards told reporters in Kabul.
The UN and Afghan health authorities are planning to proceed with a further round of polio immunizations nationwide between 19 and 21 October.
(Source: UN, September 29, 2008)
dinsdag 30 september 2008
Uzbekistan, at UN, calls for “radical” new approach to problems in Afghanistan
(New York, Sep 27 2008) A radical overhaul of policies focusing more on economic and social assistance rather than military strength is needed if Afghanistan is to ever achieve peace and stability, Uzbek Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov told the General Assembly today.
Oezbekistan vraagt om andere benadering voor problemen in Afghanistan vanaf de wortel
Oezbekistan vraagt om andere benadering voor problemen in Afghanistan vanaf de wortel
dinsdag 23 september 2008
Citing rising terrorism, UN extends security force in Afghanistan for another year
The United Nations Security Council today unanimously extended the mission of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan for another year and called for it to be strengthened in the face of increased violence and terrorism from the Taliban, Al-Qaida and drug smugglers.
ISAF, which now has 47,600 personnel on the ground, was established after United States-led forces ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001 to help the then-interim authorities maintain security across the impoverished nation.
In today's resolution the 15-member body recognized "the need to further strengthen ISAF to meet all its operational requirements, and in this regard calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources."
It expressed serious concern with the high number of civilian casualties resulting from the fighting. While recognizing ISAF's efforts to minimize this risk, it called on the Force "to take additional robust efforts" by continuously reviewing tactics and procedures and conducting after-action reviews in cooperation with the Afghan Government.
The Council called on all Afghan parties and groups to engage in peaceful political dialogue and in socio-economic development and to avoid resorting to violence including through the use of illegal armed groups.
Stressing the importance of increasing the functionality, professionalism and accountability of the Afghan security sector, it urged ISAF and other partners to continue training Afghan national security forces towards the accelerated goal of setting up self-sufficient and ethnically balanced national forces to provide security and the rule of law.
The 12-month extension begins on 13 October.
(UN: September 22, 2008)
Zie ook
VN-Veiligheidsraad verlengt mandaat ISAF-missie in Afghanistan
ISAF, which now has 47,600 personnel on the ground, was established after United States-led forces ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001 to help the then-interim authorities maintain security across the impoverished nation.
In today's resolution the 15-member body recognized "the need to further strengthen ISAF to meet all its operational requirements, and in this regard calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources."
It expressed serious concern with the high number of civilian casualties resulting from the fighting. While recognizing ISAF's efforts to minimize this risk, it called on the Force "to take additional robust efforts" by continuously reviewing tactics and procedures and conducting after-action reviews in cooperation with the Afghan Government.
The Council called on all Afghan parties and groups to engage in peaceful political dialogue and in socio-economic development and to avoid resorting to violence including through the use of illegal armed groups.
Stressing the importance of increasing the functionality, professionalism and accountability of the Afghan security sector, it urged ISAF and other partners to continue training Afghan national security forces towards the accelerated goal of setting up self-sufficient and ethnically balanced national forces to provide security and the rule of law.
The 12-month extension begins on 13 October.
(UN: September 22, 2008)
Zie ook
VN-Veiligheidsraad verlengt mandaat ISAF-missie in Afghanistan
maandag 22 september 2008
Ban deplores ‘heinous’ terrorist attack in Pakistani capital
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned today's "heinous" terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, which has reportedly killed and injured a large number of people.
"He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this appalling attack, as well as to the Government and people of Pakistan," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.
Media reports say the bombing killed at least 40 people and wounded some 200.
"No cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians," today's statement added.
(Source: UN, Sep 20 2008)
Zie ook
Zeker 53 doden bij aanslag op Marriott Hotel in Islamabad
"He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this appalling attack, as well as to the Government and people of Pakistan," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.
Media reports say the bombing killed at least 40 people and wounded some 200.
"No cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians," today's statement added.
(Source: UN, Sep 20 2008)
Zie ook
Zeker 53 doden bij aanslag op Marriott Hotel in Islamabad
dinsdag 16 september 2008
UN rights chief urges protection amid sharp rise in Afghan civilian deaths
The top United Nations human rights official has called for ensuring the protection of Afghan civilians, as new figures show an almost 40 per cent increase in conflict-related deaths in the first eight months of 2008 compared to the same period last year.
The human rights unit of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recorded a total of 1,445 civilian casualties in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 39 per cent compared to the same period in 2007, when there were 1,040 deaths.
"I call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, and to ensure every effort is made to avoid the killing of civilians," said High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay.
"The Taliban and other insurgent groups must desist from practices that result in huge and indiscriminate loss of life. Efforts must also be made to hold such groups to account. There is a long history of impunity in Afghanistan - and that needs to change," she added.
While the number of killings by the Taliban and other anti-government forces almost doubled by comparison with the first eight months of 2007, the numbers killed by government and international military forces also increasing substantially, according to Ms. Pillay's office.
"There is an urgent need for better coordination between Afghan and international military forces to enhance the protection of civilians and the safety and welfare of war-affected communities," said Ms. Pillay.
"It is also imperative that there is greater transparency in accountability procedures for international forces involved in incidents that cause civilian casualties," she said, adding that there should also be a rapid and independent assessment of damages and a fair and consistent system of condolence payments to survivors and relatives of victims.
Last month was among the most deadly, with 330 civilians killed, including up to 92 deaths reported during an operation involving Afghan and international military forces in Shindand, as well as the killing of four non-governmental (NGO) workers by the Taliban on 13 August, in Logar province.
The High Commissioner noted that this is the highest number of civilian deaths to occur in a single month since the end of major hostilities and the ousting of the Taliban regime at the end of 2001.
Ms. Pillay also voiced concern at the continued attacks on aid workers. In the latest incident, two doctors working with the UN World Health Organization (WHO) were killed on Sunday, along with their UNAMA driver, by a suicide bomber in the border town of Spin Boldak, bringing the total number of aid workers killed so far in 2008 to over 30.
"Targeted attacks on aid workers are not only atrocious in themselves, they also have far-reaching negative consequences on the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population," stressed Ms. Pillay.
"In addition to the civilian deaths and injuries caused directly by the conflict, Afghans are continuing to face displacement, destruction of property and other assets, as well as disruption to healthcare, education, housing and other essential services," she noted.
(Source: UN)
The human rights unit of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recorded a total of 1,445 civilian casualties in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 39 per cent compared to the same period in 2007, when there were 1,040 deaths.
"I call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, and to ensure every effort is made to avoid the killing of civilians," said High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay.
"The Taliban and other insurgent groups must desist from practices that result in huge and indiscriminate loss of life. Efforts must also be made to hold such groups to account. There is a long history of impunity in Afghanistan - and that needs to change," she added.
While the number of killings by the Taliban and other anti-government forces almost doubled by comparison with the first eight months of 2007, the numbers killed by government and international military forces also increasing substantially, according to Ms. Pillay's office.
"There is an urgent need for better coordination between Afghan and international military forces to enhance the protection of civilians and the safety and welfare of war-affected communities," said Ms. Pillay.
"It is also imperative that there is greater transparency in accountability procedures for international forces involved in incidents that cause civilian casualties," she said, adding that there should also be a rapid and independent assessment of damages and a fair and consistent system of condolence payments to survivors and relatives of victims.
Last month was among the most deadly, with 330 civilians killed, including up to 92 deaths reported during an operation involving Afghan and international military forces in Shindand, as well as the killing of four non-governmental (NGO) workers by the Taliban on 13 August, in Logar province.
The High Commissioner noted that this is the highest number of civilian deaths to occur in a single month since the end of major hostilities and the ousting of the Taliban regime at the end of 2001.
Ms. Pillay also voiced concern at the continued attacks on aid workers. In the latest incident, two doctors working with the UN World Health Organization (WHO) were killed on Sunday, along with their UNAMA driver, by a suicide bomber in the border town of Spin Boldak, bringing the total number of aid workers killed so far in 2008 to over 30.
"Targeted attacks on aid workers are not only atrocious in themselves, they also have far-reaching negative consequences on the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population," stressed Ms. Pillay.
"In addition to the civilian deaths and injuries caused directly by the conflict, Afghans are continuing to face displacement, destruction of property and other assets, as well as disruption to healthcare, education, housing and other essential services," she noted.
(Source: UN)
donderdag 11 september 2008
More troops will boost Afghan efforts to take over country’s security – UN envoy
The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has welcomed a decision to expand the country's national army, calling it an important step as the Government works towards assuming responsibility for security across the strife-torn nation.
At its meeting [Wednesday] in Kabul, the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) - the body set up in 2006 to monitor implementation of the five-year blueprint for reconstruction known as the Afghanistan Compact - agreed to increase the strength of the Afghan National Army (ANA) to 134,000 personnel.
"This increase is a huge step towards ensuring the Afghan Government has the number of soldiers it needs and that it can gradually take over the responsibility for the security of the country," said Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and co-chair of the JCMB.
"We all know that ensuring security for all Afghans is of paramount importance," added Mr. Eide, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The Board, which consists of senior Afghan ministers and representatives of the international community, also endorsed a proposed Afghanistan Social Outreach Programme, which aims to empower local communities.
Reports were also presented on the status of preparations for elections and on the new anti-corruption body, the High Office of Oversight.
In addition, participants were briefed on the humanitarian and refugee situations, hearing renewed calls to support a $404 million appeal launched in July to help some 4.5 million Afghans who are struggling as a result of rising food prices, poor harvests and drought.
The Board also welcomed the proposal presented by the Afghan Government to set up a mechanism to support the implementation of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), the five-year plan to reduce poverty and promote economic and social development that was unveiled at a Paris conference in June.
At the Paris conference, dozens of countries and international organizations pledged resources to help Afghanistan rebuild and advance peace, security and development.
"There is now a real sense of urgency to build on the commitments and progress that were made at the Paris conference. This is a testing period for us all, but we all remain committed to implementing the commitments made - such as improved aid effectiveness and a more intensive fight against corruption," Mr. Eide said.
At its meeting [Wednesday] in Kabul, the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) - the body set up in 2006 to monitor implementation of the five-year blueprint for reconstruction known as the Afghanistan Compact - agreed to increase the strength of the Afghan National Army (ANA) to 134,000 personnel.
"This increase is a huge step towards ensuring the Afghan Government has the number of soldiers it needs and that it can gradually take over the responsibility for the security of the country," said Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and co-chair of the JCMB.
"We all know that ensuring security for all Afghans is of paramount importance," added Mr. Eide, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The Board, which consists of senior Afghan ministers and representatives of the international community, also endorsed a proposed Afghanistan Social Outreach Programme, which aims to empower local communities.
Reports were also presented on the status of preparations for elections and on the new anti-corruption body, the High Office of Oversight.
In addition, participants were briefed on the humanitarian and refugee situations, hearing renewed calls to support a $404 million appeal launched in July to help some 4.5 million Afghans who are struggling as a result of rising food prices, poor harvests and drought.
The Board also welcomed the proposal presented by the Afghan Government to set up a mechanism to support the implementation of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), the five-year plan to reduce poverty and promote economic and social development that was unveiled at a Paris conference in June.
At the Paris conference, dozens of countries and international organizations pledged resources to help Afghanistan rebuild and advance peace, security and development.
"There is now a real sense of urgency to build on the commitments and progress that were made at the Paris conference. This is a testing period for us all, but we all remain committed to implementing the commitments made - such as improved aid effectiveness and a more intensive fight against corruption," Mr. Eide said.
UN envoy: “Children becoming increasingly vulnerable in conflict situations”
The changing nature of warfare around the world has meant that more and more children are being used in conflict situations, a senior United Nations child advocate said Tuesday, urging that greater action be taken to protect the rights of young people.
"The main challenge we face for children and armed conflict lies in the changing nature of warfare where civilian life is far less protected," Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, told the Human Rights Council today in Geneva.
Ms. Coomaraswamy said this is true not only in places that she has recently visited, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the occupied Palestinian territories, but in many others that are grappling with the scourge of terrorism.
"In the battle between terrorism and counter-terrorism, many insurgent groups are not only mobilizing children in their political and military activities but are using them as child suicide bombers," she said.
The Special Representative also drew attention to children who are held in military detention without adequate judicial process, and the fact that children are often the victims of aerial bombardments which result in collateral damage.
"This Council must make it clear that the rules of engagement as defined by international law must be implemented and civilians, especially children, must remain a protected category."
Another problem is that non-State actors are engaging in violations against children during armed conflict. "By tolerating their actions, including the recruitment and mobilization of children, a climate of impunity prevails and grave violations against children and the general population continue unabated, making life less secure for everyone," she stated.
It is important that the Council deal comprehensively with the issue of all non-State actors, including making them accountable for human rights violations, she added.
Ms. Coomaraswamy also noted that sexual violence continues to be prevalent, but added that it was not just limited to girls. She said that during her visit to Afghanistan, she was appalled by the scale of sexual violence committed against boys by war lords and commanders.
The vulnerability of boys is an often neglected aspect of war, she noted, adding that the report on Afghanistan that will be published next month might help redress this situation.
(Source: UN)
"The main challenge we face for children and armed conflict lies in the changing nature of warfare where civilian life is far less protected," Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, told the Human Rights Council today in Geneva.
Ms. Coomaraswamy said this is true not only in places that she has recently visited, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the occupied Palestinian territories, but in many others that are grappling with the scourge of terrorism.
"In the battle between terrorism and counter-terrorism, many insurgent groups are not only mobilizing children in their political and military activities but are using them as child suicide bombers," she said.
The Special Representative also drew attention to children who are held in military detention without adequate judicial process, and the fact that children are often the victims of aerial bombardments which result in collateral damage.
"This Council must make it clear that the rules of engagement as defined by international law must be implemented and civilians, especially children, must remain a protected category."
Another problem is that non-State actors are engaging in violations against children during armed conflict. "By tolerating their actions, including the recruitment and mobilization of children, a climate of impunity prevails and grave violations against children and the general population continue unabated, making life less secure for everyone," she stated.
It is important that the Council deal comprehensively with the issue of all non-State actors, including making them accountable for human rights violations, she added.
Ms. Coomaraswamy also noted that sexual violence continues to be prevalent, but added that it was not just limited to girls. She said that during her visit to Afghanistan, she was appalled by the scale of sexual violence committed against boys by war lords and commanders.
The vulnerability of boys is an often neglected aspect of war, she noted, adding that the report on Afghanistan that will be published next month might help redress this situation.
(Source: UN)
maandag 1 september 2008
UN provides emergency aid to Afghans affected by recent military operations in Herat
A United Nations team has delivered emergency relief assistance to some 900 people in the country's western Herat province who were affected the recent military operations which the world body said resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, including many children.
Last week the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that an investigation by its human rights team found that some 90 civilians were killed, including 60 children, during operations carried out by international and Afghan military forces on 21 August in Herat's Shindand district.
This weekend a UN emergency relief team, accompanied by local government officials, delivered three truckloads of essential food, cooking utensils, shelter materials and medicines to some 150 families in the area.
"At this point in time the primary concern of all of us has to be the welfare of the people of Shindand district," said Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.
"I have asked all UN agencies working in Afghanistan to step up support to the local authorities as they work to help the survivors. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and stand ready to assist with all ongoing efforts to support those who need our help the most," he stated.
The UN team also met with village elders to listen to their needs and concerns as recovery efforts continue.
Mr. Eide has called on the international and Afghan military forces to "thoroughly review" the conduct of the operation to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
Last week the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that an investigation by its human rights team found that some 90 civilians were killed, including 60 children, during operations carried out by international and Afghan military forces on 21 August in Herat's Shindand district.
This weekend a UN emergency relief team, accompanied by local government officials, delivered three truckloads of essential food, cooking utensils, shelter materials and medicines to some 150 families in the area.
"At this point in time the primary concern of all of us has to be the welfare of the people of Shindand district," said Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.
"I have asked all UN agencies working in Afghanistan to step up support to the local authorities as they work to help the survivors. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and stand ready to assist with all ongoing efforts to support those who need our help the most," he stated.
The UN team also met with village elders to listen to their needs and concerns as recovery efforts continue.
Mr. Eide has called on the international and Afghan military forces to "thoroughly review" the conduct of the operation to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
Abonneren op:
Posts (Atom)