The Un's Enduring Support For Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Humanitarian Effort

The United Nations has been involved in Afghanistan since 1946, when the country joined the General Assembly. Agencies such as UNICEF have been operating in Afghanistan since 1949. The UN's role in the country has included election operations, promoting good governance and the rule of law, and training police. In 2002, the UN Security Council established the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to manage all UN humanitarian, relief, recovery, and reconstruction activities. UNAMA's mandate has been reviewed annually and altered to reflect the needs of the country. The UN has also played a role in peacebuilding in Afghanistan, including through peacekeeping operations, passing resolutions, and signing agreements.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was established in 2002 to assist Afghans in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was established in March 2002 by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1401. The mission is headquartered in Kabul and maintains a field presence across Afghanistan, with liaison offices in Pakistan and Iran. UNAMA is a political mission with a mandate that has been altered over time to reflect the evolving needs of the country.

UNAMA's original mandate was to support the implementation of the Bonn Agreement of December 2001. Over the years, the mission's mandate has been reviewed annually and extended several times, with a focus on promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. The most recent extension was on 15 March 2024, by the UN Security Council Resolution 2727, which extended the mandate until 17 March 2025.

UNAMA plays a critical role in supporting civil society and promoting peace, stability, and inclusive governance in Afghanistan. The mission engages with national and subnational stakeholders, civil society organizations, international NGOs, and donors to protect and promote human rights and facilitate humanitarian assistance. It also provides technical assistance and training on international human rights standards to Afghan authorities.

UNAMA has been particularly active in addressing human rights abuses and violations. The mission's Human Rights Service (HRS) engages in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, and reporting. HRS has worked to protect civilians in armed conflict, address children's rights, eliminate violence against women, and promote women's rights. Additionally, UNAMA has supported the implementation of the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law of 2009 and assisted the Ministry of Women's Affairs in preparing public reports on the government's implementation of this law.

The mission has also played a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. UNAMA has helped facilitate and distribute imported cash to UN agencies, programmes, and NGOs operating in the country. On the international level, UNAMA has advocated for the unfreezing of Afghanistan's Central Bank assets to restore the country's economy and increase liquid cash availability.

UNAMA's efforts in bolstering local peace initiatives and conflict resolution mechanisms are also noteworthy. The mission has engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including women, youth, religious scholars, community elders, and civil society, to implement these initiatives.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution in 2001 authorising a peacekeeping force in Afghanistan

In 2001, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1386, authorising the establishment of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to assist the Afghan Interim Authority in maintaining security in Kabul and its surrounding areas. This resolution was adopted unanimously on 20 December 2001, and the ISAF was established for an initial period of six months.

The resolution was passed in recognition of the Afghan people's right to freedom from oppression and terror, and the responsibility of the Afghan people to provide security and law and order themselves. It was also passed in support of international efforts to eradicate terrorism, in accordance with the UN Charter.

The resolution called on all Afghan forces to adhere to their obligations under human rights law, including respect for the rights of women, and under international humanitarian law. It also reiterated the UN's support for the Bonn Agreement, which outlined provisional arrangements in Afghanistan pending the re-establishment of permanent government institutions.

The resolution authorised member states to provide contributions of personnel and equipment to the ISAF, and authorised participating member states to take all measures necessary to fulfil its mandate. It called on all Afghans to cooperate with the ISAF and relevant international governmental and non-governmental organisations. It also encouraged neighbouring states to assist the ISAF by providing overflights and transit.

The resolution stressed that the expenses of the ISAF would be borne by the participating member states, and it requested the Secretary-General to establish a trust fund to which contributions could be made. It also requested the leadership of the ISAF to provide periodic reports on the progress of its mandate implementation.

The UN has been involved in Afghanistan since 1946, with agencies such as UNICEF operating in the country since 1949

The United Nations (UN) has been involved in Afghanistan since 1946, when the country joined the General Assembly. Agencies such as UNICEF have been operating in Afghanistan since 1949.

UNICEF has been working on the ground in Afghanistan for over 70 years, with offices and partners across the country. As one of the longest-serving members of the international community in Afghanistan, UNICEF has played a unique role in promoting peace and stability for the country's children. The agency has been supporting the rights of children in Afghanistan since its arrival, bringing basic services, including education, health, nutrition, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene to those most in need. UNICEF also provides humanitarian assistance during emergencies.

In addition to UNICEF, the UN has been involved in Afghanistan through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), established in March 2002 by the UN Security Council. UNAMA is a UN Special Political Mission tasked with assisting the people of Afghanistan. The mission has a presence across Afghanistan, with offices in several cities, as well as liaison offices in Pakistan and Iran. UNAMA's mandate has been reviewed and altered annually to reflect the country's needs.

The UN's role in Afghanistan has also included supporting election operations, promoting good governance and the rule of law, and training police forces. However, these efforts have faced significant challenges due to the country's ongoing violence, warlordism, drug production, and intense suspicion of foreigners.

Overall, the UN's involvement in Afghanistan has been long-standing, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and the well-being of the country's population, especially children.

The UN has supported election operations in Afghanistan, working with Afghan authorities to register voters and organise elections

The United Nations has a long history of supporting election operations in its member states. In Afghanistan, the UN has played a crucial role in helping the country hold democratic elections, working closely with Afghan authorities to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent.

One of the key aspects of the UN's support in Afghanistan has been assisting with voter registration. Given the high illiteracy rate in the country, the UN has helped to develop a system where ballots display images of the candidates along with their chosen symbols, making it easier for voters to recognise and select their preferred candidate. This system was first implemented in the 2004 presidential election, which saw Hamid Karzai win with 55.4% of the votes.

The UN has also been instrumental in organising and conducting elections in Afghanistan. In the 2005 parliamentary and provincial council elections, the UN provided technical assistance and helped to establish an electoral framework. However, these elections were marred by accusations of fraud, and final results were delayed until November 2005.

The UN has continued to support Afghanistan in subsequent elections, including the 2009 presidential and provincial council elections and the 2010 parliamentary elections. Despite security concerns, violence, and low voter turnout, the UN has remained committed to ensuring that Afghans have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

In addition to providing technical assistance and expertise, the UN has also played a role in promoting the inclusion of women in Afghanistan's electoral process. In the 2005 parliamentary elections, women won 28% of the seats in the lower house, exceeding the 25% guaranteed in the 2004 Constitution. The UN has also supported programmes focused on fostering a new generation of young leaders, both women and men, and strengthening electoral institutions to promote transparent and inclusive democratic processes.

The UN's efforts in supporting election operations in Afghanistan have been crucial in helping the country take steps towards establishing a democratic political system. By assisting with voter registration, organising elections, and promoting inclusivity, the UN has helped to ensure that the Afghan people have a voice in shaping their country's future.

The UN has worked to promote good governance and the rule of law, as well as training police

The United Nations has been instrumental in promoting good governance and the rule of law in Afghanistan, as well as providing training for the police force.

Good Governance

The UN has promoted good governance in Afghanistan through various avenues, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Declaration of the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law reaffirms that human rights, the rule of law, and democracy are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, and that they are core values of the United Nations.

Rule of Law

The UN has also played a crucial role in supporting the rule of law in Afghanistan. In 2001, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1386, which authorized the establishment of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to assist the Afghan Interim Authority with maintaining security. ISAF worked closely with the Afghan government to create the conditions for the government to exercise its authority throughout the country.

Police Training

The UN has also provided training for the Afghan National Police (ANP). Germany took responsibility for training the ANP, with support from the United States and other international partners. The US Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) played a key role in this effort, providing contracted advisors to train and equip the police, advise the Ministry of Interior, and assist with infrastructure development. The US Department of Defense also provided equipment and infrastructure support through the Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan (OMC-A).

The efforts of Germany, the US, and other international partners have helped to strengthen the ANP and improve security in Afghanistan.

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