Integrity Score 380
No Records Found
No Records Found
Progress and Pitfalls of “Peace-Building”
in Afghanistan continues....
The UN is currently engaged in undertaking peace-building activities in
Afghanistan. On its way out from more than two decades of intensely violent and extensive conflict, Afghanistan faces tremendous political, administrative, social and economic challenges. Amidst these daunting challenges, it is important to underscore the developments in recent years.
The political and democratic infrastructure mandated by the Bonn Agreement is currently in place. So far, the struggle to define roles within the new political system has bee energetic.
Apart from relative stability and completion of the Bonn process (the stages of the Bonn process were completed with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections), there are certain other significant positive developments like substantial refugee repatriation, infrastructure building (schools, roads, hospitals have been rebuilt) child immunization programme and women’s empowerment programmes have gained momentum. There has also been significant technological advancement for instance with the internet and telecommunications and improved banking quality and accessibility which is at least benefiting the urban population.
Private media, despite criticism about its content is dynamic and popular culture (music, drama, sports) are being revived. In spite of the international community remaining engaged in Afghanistan, coordination of international aid and assistance remain a major issue and need to be driven by demand and be prioritized according to local needs. Cooperation and coordination of all parties concerned is a necessary requirement as without a strong international support and commitment, the Bonn process and the Afghan Compact may not be able to sustain itself.
To be continued....