Stories inside include... New Leadership: Music Concert: UN chief appoints Prominent Afghan Nicholas Haysom singer, Farzana Naz, as his new Special performs at live TV Representative for concert to mark Afghanistan Page 3 UN Day Page 10

Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 Afghanistan Quarterly Kubiš: Let’s learn from Afghan resilience UN special envoy speaks about the UN’s assistance to Afghanistan. chance to be here and to support the authorities and the people of Afghanistan in this. UNAMA: Could you describe UNAMA’s and the UN’s main achievements in Afghanistan during the past two years? Kubiš: What we need to do is work to support Afghanistan through different concrete ac- tivities, projects mostly delivered by UN agencies, funds and pro- grammes. UNAMA, as a special political mission, has a very broad mandate; we are covering the work of the whole UN system but with a focus on certain specific ar- eas related to human rights, wom- en’s rights, development of insti- tutions and systems of democracy. For example, in the human rights area, UNAMA has helped Afghanistan and the Afghan people advocate for their rights, protect people from abuse and United Nations Special Representative Ján Kubiš during an interview in Kabul. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) promote accountability where he United Nations’ top en- to implement UNAMA’s Security is one of the most enriching ex- abuses have taken place. We voy for Afghanistan lauded Council mandate, which centres periences I’ve had in my profes- monitor what is happening with Tthe Afghan people and au- on support for Afghan political sional life. I was very happy that civilian casualties, not only for the thorities for their tenacity in suc- institutions, authorities and people I was given the opportunity to be sake of monitoring, of course, but cessfully completing a peaceful in many different areas of activity. here during this important phase also in seeking to reduce those ca- and democratic transfer of power In an interview, UNAMA’s out- of development in the country, sualties. Although I can’t say that this year, as well as for their vision going chief talked about his time in this period of transition. In- the figures are good, at least we are for the future of the country. serving in Afghanistan, discussed deed, Afghanistan is becoming managing to bring to the attention Ján Kubiš, shortly before com- the aspects of his work that have a true sovereign. Sovereignty of all the respective parties our pleting his term as the Special Rep- been personally meaningful to means taking responsibility for key concerns, and we are relent- resentative of the Secretary-Gen- him and outlined the UN’s assis- everything happening here in lessly working with them to see a eral (SRSG) for Afghanistan and tance to the country during a time the country, and contributing to reduction of civilian casualties. head of the UN Assistance Mission that he described as a period of global development. Issues relating to women’s in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said ongoing parallel transitions. This challenging period of on- rights are important for every the millions of Afghans who voted UNAMA: How would you going parallel transitions—secu- society, and for this society as have been honoured through the characterize the almost three rity transition, military transition, well; therefore, I was happy that agreement to form a government years you’ve worked as SRSG for economic transition and of course we were actively engaged on of national unity. UNAMA and as the top UN offi- political transition—was criti- these issues. During his time in Afghani- cial in Afghanistan? cally important for the country. Given our mandate, and given stan, Mr. Kubiš has been working Kubiš: I would say that this I was pleased that I was given a Continued on page 8 >> 2 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 Unprecedented Afghan political transition The conclusion of the Afghan presidential elections and subse- quent move to form a government of national unity represent an unprecedented political transition. fghanistan passed a no- table milestone in 2014, Aas the country began the process of forming a new govern- ment of national unity through a United Nations-supported elec- tion process, marking the first- ever peaceful transfer of power in the country’s history from one elected president to another. Following the inauguration on 29 September of Dr. Ashraf Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani presides over the oaths taken by the Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Ghani as the new president and Abdullah and his deputies at the presidential secretariat in Kabul. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) Dr. Abdullah Abdullah as the As part of this support, the Chief Executive Officer of Af- “The national unity government UN and the International Secu- ghanistan, UN Secretary-Gener- rity Assistance Force transport- al Ban Ki-moon and the Security is necessary in Afghanistan’s ed all ballot boxes to the Inde- Council hailed the inauguration, pendent Election Commission while reiterating the world body’s development to create a level of headquarters in Kabul. The UN commitment to supporting Af- brought in international observ- ghanistan’s new administration. stability in the country.” ers and elections support staff “Both President Ghani and to supervise the comprehensive Dr. Abdullah carry the nation’s —Nicholas Haysom vote-audit process. expectations,” said the Secre- was part of an agreement reached had a choice between Dr. Ghani This political transition coin- tary-General’s Special Repre- on 12 July by the two presidential and Dr. Abdullah to replace in- cides with the country’s security sentative for Afghanistan, Ján candidates, Dr. Ghani and Dr. cumbent Hamid Karzai as the transition, with the Afghan forc- Kubiš, in a statement following Abdullah, breaking an impasse country’s leader. The two can- es taking over full responsibility the inauguration. that emerged after the announce- didates emerged after the first from international partners, who “The many challenges facing ment of preliminary results from round of polling on 5 April, but are expected to end their missions Afghanistan can only be over- the election’s run-off on 7 July. with no candidate garnering the in December 2014. come through unity and states- The agreement followed an number of votes needed to be- The Secretary-General’s Dep- manship,” added Mr. Kubiš, who intensive UN-supervised audit come president. uty Special Representative in the represented the UN chief at the of 100 per cent of ballots cast in The UN, mandated to support country, Nicholas Haysom, said inauguration. the 14 June run-off vote—roughly the organization of the elections, the formation of the national uni- The formation of the national eight million ballots and 23,000 was jointly requested by the two ty government is necessary in Af- unity government, which the UN ballot boxes—in the presence of presidential candidates and also ghanistan’s development to create called “an embodiment of the the candidates’ agents and domes- separately by the authorities of stability in the country. He noted, wishes of the people of Afghani- tic and international observers. Afghanistan, to coordinate inter- however, that the transition will stan to live and work together,” In the run-off vote, Afghans national supervision of the audit. be difficult to manage. “The war, in many senses, is unsustainable in the long-term, and Afghans need to find a way to live together in peace and harmo- ny,” Mr. Haysom said. “It is up to them to find processes that would enable them to do so.” Speaking about the UN’s role in the process, Mr. Haysom said the world body will continue to support efforts designed to en- sure that a spirit of collaboration is part of the process. He called attention, in particular, to Af- ghanistan’s pressing economic situation, as well as its peace and reconciliation efforts, as chal- lenges the country will face in the months and years ahead. “The UN will be looking to do- nors to make up something in the fiscal gaps, something between the money that they need and the money that they have in the short- The UN and ISAF transport ballot boxes to the Independent Election Commission in Kabul. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) term,” said Mr. Haysom. Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 3 Haysom UN highlights mental health at appointed as UNAMA Youth Day events in Afghanistan International Youth chief Day is observed annu- ally on 12 August, with this year’s observance focusing on the global theme of “Youth and Mental Health.” ighlighting the need for improving mental health Hamong Afghan youth, a United Nations official on 12 Au- gust said that mental health con- ditions—driven by decades of insecurity, violence, poverty and unemployment—have left their mark on generations of the coun- try’s youth. “More than one million of our Musicians perform at an International Youth Day event in Kabul on 12 August. In n 25 September 2014, his message for the Day, UN chief Ban Ki-moon called for enabling youth with men- United Nations Secretary- young people in Afghanistan are tal health conditions to realize their full potential. (Photo: Sayed Muhammad Shah) OGeneral Ban Ki-moon suffering from mental health con- announced the appointment of ditions each year,” said the then tive of overcoming stigma and dis- Information and Culture (MoIC) Nicholas Haysom as his Special Acting UN Resident Coordina- crimination to ensure that young with the assistance and coordina- Representative and Head of the UN tor in Afghanistan, Annette Sachs people with mental health condi- tion of the United Nations Popula- Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Robertson, at an event organized tions can lead full and healthy lives tion Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Robertson (UNAMA). to mark International Youth Day free from isolation and unneces- said, referring to a recent survey of A South African national, Mr. in Kabul. sary shame, and openly seek the Afghanistan’s young people, that Haysom currently serves as one International Youth Day is ob- services and support they need. more than half of all participants of the UN chief’s Deputy Special served annually on 12 August, In his message for the Day, UN reported that they need psychologi- Representatives for Afghanistan, with this year’s observance focus- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cal or counselling support. a post he took up in 2012. ing on the global theme of “Youth called for enabling youth with “Suicide and self-immolation, He will succeed the current and Mental Health.” According to mental health conditions to realize in particular of young girls, have Special Representative, Ján Kubiš, the world body, young people with their full potential. become a growing phenomenon in to “whom the Secretary-General mental health conditions can often “Wide-ranging efforts at all lev- Afghanistan,” she noted. is grateful for his dedication and experience stigma and discrimi- els are needed to raise awareness She commended the Afghan about the importance of investing Government for integrating leadership of UNAMA,” Mr. nation, which in turn can lead to exclusion and discourage people in and supporting young people mental health into its Basic Pack- Ban’s spokesperson said at a news from seeking help for fear of being with mental health conditions,” age of Health Services as early as briefing at UN Headquarters in negatively labelled. Mr. Ban said. “Increased education 2003 and psychosocial counsel- New York. This year’s theme was designed is crucial in reducing stigma and in ling into the national health care Mr. Haysom is a lawyer with a to raise awareness on the topic, as changing how we talk about and system in 2010. Mental health long international career focused well as highlight the experiences perceive mental health.” is one of the key areas in the on democratic governance, con- of those who have chosen to speak In her comments at the event in UNFPA-backed National Youth stitutional and electoral reforms, out about the issues with the objec- Kabul, organized by the Ministry of Policy, which has been submit- reconciliation and peace processes. ted to the Council of Ministers He held several positions with the for approval. world body prior to his current role The UN official announced that as Deputy Special Representative. the UN Country Team has estab- These posts include serving lished an Interagency Network as Director for Political, on Youth Development, currently Peacekeeping and Humanitarian chaired by UNFPA, with the aim of Affairs in the Executive Office better coordinating youth-related of the UN Secretary-General programmes and providing more and Head of the Office of efficient and accountable support Constitutional Support for the to the government in implement- UN Assistance Mission for Iraq. ing the policy. His previous service includes In his comments at the Kabul work with the Government of observance, the Deputy Minis- South Africa, where he was the ter for Youth Affairs at the MoIC, Chief Legal and Constitutional Taimoor Shah Eshaqzai, said that Adviser in the Office of the once the policy gets approved and President of South Africa, Nelson implemented, “it will significantly Mandela. improve the lives of youth in the In addition, Mr. Haysom country.” was the chair of the committee Outside of Kabul, International negotiating constitutional issues Youth Day was marked in different in the Burundi Peace Talks, regions of Afghanistan through a and the principal adviser to the A panel discussion held at an International Youth Day event in the Southern range of activities, including panel mediator in the Sudanese Peace province of Kandahar focuses on mental health issues. International Youth Day is discussions and musical and theat- observed annually on 12 August, with this year’s observance focusing on the global rical performances. Process. theme of “Youth and Mental Health.” (Photo: Mujeeb Rahman) 4 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 Tadamichi Police supported by literacy project Yamamoto A country-wide, appointed United Nations-backed project is addressing as UNAMA the large number of deputy chief illiterate Afghan Na- tional Police person- nel, and in doing so is improving their liveli- hoods and contributing to more effective police work. orn and raised in Afghanistan’s central province of Logar, Sgt. BQadeer joined the Afghan police some three years ago. At the time, he was unable to read Students and teachers participate in a UNESCO-backed literacy class called or write, as were nearly one-third Literacy for Empowering Afghan Police (LEAP). The UNESCO-backed project, funded by Japan, was set up to address the large number of illiterate Afghan of the country’s 147,000 police National Police (ANP) personnel. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) officers. That has changed, thanks to a United Nations-backed literacy phase concluding in November nited Nations Secretary- programme. 2013. During the first phase, General Ban Ki-moon Following attendance in “Our police officers the project team worked with Uon 7 October appointed the programme, Sgt. Qadeer 500 facilitators in 19 provinces Tadamichi Yamamoto of Japan as can write names and read the are eager to learn; and a fully-fledged Ministry of his Deputy Special Representative various signs around Kabul. He Interior literacy unit that guided for the United Nations Assistance is one of the many police offers even at the level of the training in the provinces. The Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). who have befitted from taking second phase, which started in He succeeds Nicholas Haysom of literacy classes organized by the police check-posts November 2013, involves training South Africa. Literacy for Empowering Afghan some 10,000 illiterate police Mr. Yamamoto is a Japanese Police (LEAP) programme of we have literacy through June 2015. diplomat with 40 years of the UN Educational, Cultural “We trained the police volunteer professional experience in political and Scientific Organization teachers on lesson preparation, affairs, international cooperation (UNESCO). classes and our classroom management, con- and economic development, “I attend the class every day ducting group work and delivering spanning several continents. Most from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.,” he says. police are learning.” lectures,” said one of the trainers, recently Mr. Yamamoto served as “We are trying hard to solve our Mohammad Tahir. Ambassador to Hungary. problems and the problems of our —Mohammad Asif UNESCO’s training programme From 2010 to 2012, he was fellow citizens.” is in line with the Ministry of the Special Representative of The UNESCO-backed project, officers are included. Education’s literacy curriculum and the Government of Japan for funded by Japan, was set up to The LEAP project is designed to teaching and learning projects. To Afghanistan and Pakistan. In that address the large number of provide intensive literacy training support the work of the Ministry capacity, he facilitated preparations illiterate Afghan National Police to police officers to sustain and of Education and the Ministry of of the Tokyo Conference on (ANP) personnel. According to advance their literacy skills, with Interior, the UN agency is printing Afghanistan in 2012, which the spokesperson of the Ministry the ultimate goal of improving textbooks and providing stationery resulted in the Tokyo Mutual of Interior, Sediq Sediqqi, some their livelihoods and contributing for 10,000 illiterate police personnel, Accountability Framework, a 30 per cent of ANP personnel are to more effective police work. as well as 500 kits for police literacy mechanism to review progress illiterate; this figure climbs to 70 The LEAP project started in volunteer facilitators. towards Afghanistan’s sustainable per cent if partially literate police September 2011, with the first “Our police officers are development. eager to learn; even at the level Mr. Yamamoto has held several of police check-posts we have positions with Japan’s Ministry literacy classes and our police are of Foreign Affairs, ranging learning,” says Maj. Mohammad Asif, who is in charge of education from Director-General of the and training for a police brigade Public Diplomacy Department located in Kabul. The officer to Ambassador in charge of added that with the literacy International Counter-Terrorism training, he expects the officers and Reconstruction Assistance to be able to perform their work to Iraq. He also served as the more effectively in line with their Permanent Delegate of Japan to regulations. the United Nations Educational, To supplement this Afghanistan- Scientific and Cultural Org- wide literacy work, UNESCO anization (UNESCO). publishes thousands of newsletters Mr. Yamamoto holds a B.Sc. and magazines each quarter on degree in engineering from the topics such as protection, justice, Tokyo Institute of Technology human trafficking, riot control and a bachelor’s degree from the and criminal investigations. The University of Oxford (United publications also contain sports Kingdom). The UNESCO literacy project is designed to provide intensive training to police pages and jokes, enticing readers Born in Japan in 1950, he is officers to sustain and advance their skills, with the goal of improving their with entertaining content so theyy married and has two children. livelihoods and contributing to more effective police work. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) continue refining their skills. Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 5 Children’s circus provides education, inspiration In an interview, Ahmed Nazari describes how he joined the circus in 2002 when he was only eight, and started learning circus arts as he proceeded through his schooling. Later, he became a trainer. hmed Nazari, age 20, is a trainer in the Afghan AEducational Children’s Circus, which was established in 2002 under the umbrella of a non- profit organization dedicated to empowering young people. Mr. Nazari joined the circus in 2002 when he was only eight years old, and started learning circus arts as he proceeded through his basic schooling. Later, he became a trainer himself. In his many years of working in the children’s circus, Mr. Nazari has performed in hundreds of circus shows in Afghanistan, Circus trainer Ahmed Nazari guides his students during a performance in Kabul. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) and has demonstrated his skills focusing on critical issues, such as in several foreign countries. “We want to make the circus arts landmine awareness. Our aim is Following a performance on the more social, and we certainly want not only to spread happiness, but occasion of the International Day also to educate people. of Circus Arts in Kabul, UNAMA everyone to know that the circus UNAMA: How important interviewed Mr. Nazari about how is the circus for Afghanistan’s he developed his skills and how exists in Afghanistan and that it children? he is using them to work with Nazari: It is important for the Afghanistan’s youth. is entertaining. We see ourselves children’s growth and progress. UNAMA: Could you tell us The first day I came to the circus, how you became a circus trainer? reaching all corners of Afghanistan.” I did not know anything. When I Nazari: The Afghan Edu- got into it, I knew that being part cational Children’s Circus started —Ahmed Nazari of the circus is an identity, a way in 2002 in Kabul, with the who are interested. Our main teach the children in these schools? of expression and an excellent art. objective of giving children the focus is on challenged children, Nazari: Circus performances Being in the circus enables you tools they need so they themselves such as orphans, disabled, street are a kind of art, and in this to show your skills to others. It is could develop creative ways to children and displaced children. respect Afghanistan is trying to important for children. It keeps spread entertaining education During the past three years, meet international standards. We them alert and happy. We provide across Afghanistan. Initially, the we have been training children are therefore training children on them with all possible opportunities children’s circus was started in from 18 camps for displaced theatre, acrobatics, gymnastics and resources to play freely and to Aschiana, an Afghan orphanage people. Currently, we have 120 and painting. This training is learn. Anyone can come here and in Kabul. Later on, it was moved students in the morning, and conducted during the summer. learn the circus arts. to the Kart-e-seh area of Kabul. in the afternoon 150 students During the winter, we have a UNAMA: How do you see I was only eight years old when attend classes. We have started an three-month course that consists the future of circus arts in I joined the circus. It was very additional programme for young of 32 classes as a whole. We have Afghanistan? exciting for me because I had a people to train them on circus educational, art and sports classes. Nazari: So far, the circus arts lot of opportunities to play and and media skills—filmmaking, During the winter, we train 300 have progressed well and have learn skills along with my basic editing, dubbing, camera skills students, three days a week. successfully attracted the attention education. Four years later, I had and so forth. Some of the most talented camp of many people. In the future, we learned enough to train other UNAMA: Do you train chil- children become part of a trainer would like more opportunities to children, so I started teaching dren in the provinces? programme. perform in public venues so we other students. It has now been Nazari: We have training UNAMA: How many per- can have more direct contact with 12 years since I joined the circus centres in Herat, Bamyan, formances have you conducted more people. and eight years since I have been Mazar-e-Sharif, Badakhshan and inside and outside the country? We want to make the circus training children. Jawzjan. We are trying to open Nazari: Since 2002, we have arts more social, and we certainly UNAMA: Could you tell us new centres in Baghlan and Kunar performed in four foreign want everyone to know that the a bit about the students at the so that children in these provinces countries: Denmark, Germany, circus exists in Afghanistan and school? can learn circus skills. Because Japan and Italy. In Kabul, we that it is entertaining. We see Nazari: Children from all many children live in rural areas, have performances almost every ourselves reaching all corners different backgrounds areour circus artists have tours across week. Each year, we perform of Afghanistan. We also look learning at the school. We have the country and perform for the at 70 to 80 schools. We have forward to being able to perform children from different Kabul children. had performances all over the at more international venues for schools and any other children UNAMA: What skills do you country, with the performances more people. 6 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 UN booklet on protecting children launched New UNAMA docu- Armed Conflict,” with editions in Dari, Pashto and English— ment highlights obli- comes from a series of discussions gations for all parties and collaborations between UNAMA and Afghan religious to armed conflict in leaders, scholars and experts from respecting and pro- different religious and academic moting the rights of institutions. “The use of children by armed children under inter- opponents in the conflict is a national law and the matter of serious concern,” said AIHRC’s Samar. “We appeal to tenets of Islam. the armed opponents to strictly he United Nations Assistance follow the Islamic Sharia and Mission in Afghanistan international conventions.” T(UNAMA) released a Mr. Samar highlighted several new booklet highlighting the of the book’s recommendations, obligations of all parties to which include focusing on the armed conflict in the country to six grave violations of child respect and promote the rights rights in armed conflict, namely: of children under international United Nations Special Representative Ján Kubiš launches the booklet on the killing and maiming of law. The booklet also highlights protection of Afghan children in conflict. UNAMA documented 1,694 child children; the recruitment, use the complementary teachings casualties—545 killed and 1,149 injured—in 2013 alone. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) and association of children with and fundamental tenets of Islam armed forces and armed groups; related to protecting children. “Every life of a child wasted, every the abduction of children; attacks “There is no higher duty against schools and hospitals; for every human being, every future of a child unmet and destroyed rape and other forms of sexual parent, every citizen, than to violence against children; and the protect the future of the country: by this war is one too many.” denial of access to humanitarian children,” said the Secretary- assistance. General’s Special Representative –Ján Kubiš The booklet is designed to for Afghanistan and head of become not only a resource but UNAMA, Ján Kubiš, at the and destroyed by this war, is increased by 2.9 per cent in 2013 also an advocacy tool for those booklet’s launching ceremony, one too many,” the Special compared to 2012,” said Mr. Sima working on child-protection which took place in Kabul on 12 Representative stressed. “But Samar, AIHRC’s chairperson. issues, according to UNAMA, May 2014. what I find particularly appalling Out of the total number of civilian with the ultimate goal of helping “They deserve normal lives and is to brainwash children and then casualties, the number of Afghan to protect Afghan children from normal childhoods; they deserve to use them as suicide bombers; children injured, maimed or killed the scourge of war and support to be able to play wherever they in my two-and-a-half years each year is disproportionately large. the efforts of Afghan civil society want without being threatened here, there are many cases of UNAMA documented 1,694 child and the AIHRC. by improvised explosive devices, children being misused as suicide casualties—545 killed and 1,149 The launch of the booklet without being threatened by bombers.” injured—in 2013 alone. Improvised during the month of May coincided unexploded remnants of war,” he The conflict in Afghanistan explosive devices (IEDs) were the with the start of a campaign at added, noting that, unfortunately, has led to thousands of civilian leading cause of death and injury UN headquarters in New York. during the past 30 years, the casualties each year, with the of children; IEDs do not distinguish The campaign, “Children, Not children of Afghanistan have Afghanistan Independent Human between combatants and civilians, Soldiers,” is focused on mobilizing been living their lives, and often Rights Commission (AIHRC) and account for the largest number support to end and prevent the ending them, under the condition registering 5,710 civilian cas- of civilians killed in Afghanistan recruitment and use of children by of war. ualties, 2,284 of which were each year. national security forces by 2016. “Every life of a child wasted, deaths, from March 2013 to March The booklet—entitled “Protect- Jointly initiated by the Secretary- every future of a child unmet 2014. “Civilian casualties have ing Afghanistan’s Children in General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the campaign is running in eight countries, including in Afghanistan. “I particularly welcome the Government of Afghanistan’s endorsement of this campaign and its commitment to take further action to ensure that children are not recruited into the ranks of the Afghan national security forces,” Mr. Kubiš said. During the campaign, the UN’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, along with UNICEF personnel, will work with their UN and nongovernmental partners to strengthen their engagement with the eight countries, with the ultimate goal of ending and preventing recruitment and use of children in their country’sy Out of the total number of civilian casualties, the number of child casualties is disproportionately large. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) security forces. Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 7 Afghan history archive draws hundreds daily The Afghanistan Cen- tre at Kabul University is stocked with a col- lection of more than 80,000 items that cover the Afghan civil war, the Taliban era and the recent period of inter- national intervention. t the heart of Kabul University’s campus, a Alarge information archive resides in the newly constructed Afghanistan Centre. The Centre, famous now for being the richest source of information on Afghanistan in the region, each day draws hundreds of Kabul University students, in addition to scholars and journalists seeking information about Afghanistan’s history. The founder of the Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University, Nancy Dupree. (Photo: Sayed Muhammad Shah) The Centre was inaugurated “As part of our outreach for public use on 27 March 2013, “I am delighted that the young component, we publish books, but the archive has existed since its and now have 150 titles specifically formation in 1989 in Pakistan by Afghans during the past few years written for new readers,” says the Centre’s founder and current Ms. Dupree. “These portable director, Nancy Hatch Dupree. have learned to raise their voices.” boxes hold 250 books and go Ms. Dupree came to Afghanistan into communities and belong to in 1962, but later became involved —Nancy Dupree. them. They decide where they put with Garzandoi—the Afghan them; sometimes they put them Tourist Organization—and started surveys of the nongovernmental was inaugurated on 27 March in schools, sometimes in clinics writing guidebooks. organizations, the United Nations 2013. Operating with funding and sometimes in mosques. The She wrote books on several and the bilateral agencies.” from the government, with some mullahs like these very much.” Afghan provinces, along with a One nongovernmental org- contributions from foreign donors, Ms. Dupree says she believes guide to the country’s museums. anization, the Agency Coordinating the Centre personnel signed an that these books are helping those She did a significant amount of Body for Afghan Relief, embraced agreement with the Ministry of who have recently graduated from travelling in the country, because, the idea and in 1980 established Higher Education that it would literacy classes. “I began to go and as she indicates, she would not the initial repository, called the operate independently inside the see some of the literacy courses write about anything she had not Afghan Resource and Information university campus. for the army and police, and I said seen. During her travels, she met Centre, in Peshawar. The books Today, the Centre is stocked if you don’t give them something with Louis Dupree, a renowned and other materials were later with a collection of more to read, they will lose what you archaeologist and scholar. Later, moved to Kabul after the fall of the than 80,000 items related to have taught them,” she recalls. they married in Kabul. Taliban and the establishment of Afghanistan’s modern history. Through its boxed library “The two of us worked very the interim government. The collection’s books andextension programme, the Centre closely together because he In 2006, Ms. Dupree returned other documents, which are in has supplied nearly 250,000 was an archaeologist and was to Kabul with some 36,000 Dari, Pashto, English and other books to more than 200 schools always looking for caves where documents, but with no space languages, cover the Afghan and community libraries across prehistoric people used to live; he to store or show them. Kabul civil war, the Taliban era and the Afghanistan, and is planning to was a very good photographer,” University’s Chancellor at the recent period of international establish 40 new mobile libraries recalls Ms. Dupree. “It was a time time, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, intervention. between 2014 and 2017, updating when most Kharijis [foreigners] provided a temporary space in The collection is fully catalogued, the more than 200 libraries with would not believe things we could the university’s main library. with its records now indexed new materials. do; we would set off in our Land Soon, Ms. Dupree realized that in an online database to make In addition to its outreach Rover and would go anywhere, the space would not be enough, it accessible online. More than programme, the Centre provides with no escort, no armoured especially given the number 800,000 pages have been scanned, a facility for conferences, public cars, nothing.” of documents Afghanistan’s and some 4,000 volumes are events, debates and cultural During Afghanistan’s 1970s government, along with national accessible on the Centre’s website activities. Ms. Dupree says she conflict, the couple moved to and international organizations, at afghandata.org, which is jointly believes that it is important for Peshawar, Pakistan, and started were sending to her. maintained by the University of Afghan’s young people to engage working with Afghan refugees. She talked with the Minister Arizona. For those coming to in debates. “I am delighted that This is where the idea of the of Higher Education at the time, do research, the Centre provides the young Afghans during the past Centre was first conceived. Fayyaz Sharif, who agreed with a reading room along with 38 few years have learned to raise “Actually, the idea of this the university to provide a space workstations connected to the their voices,” says Ms. Dupree. Centre is not mine,” says Ms. in the middle of the campus. Centre’s database. “In Afghan society, it is Dupree. “Louis thought it would Former President Hamid Karzai To reach Afghans outside impolite to speak up in front of be valuable information for those authorized development funds in of Kabul, the Centre runs a your father or other elders; but who would go and work with 2007 for the construction of a new programme designed to spread now young people have learned Afghans after refugee repatriation, facility. The construction work knowledge and encourage a that they are a big power,” she and thought that a central took almost seven years. culture of reading by making says. “I want them to use their repository should be established The new building at Kabul materials available through power not for individual thingsg to collect all of the reports and University, the Afghanistan Centre, portable lending libraries. but for the country.” 8 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 “This challenging period of on- going parallel transitions— security transition, military transition, economic transition and of course political transition—was critically important for the country.” << Continued from page 1 the political transition, the core United Nations Special Representative Ján Kubiš receives a copy of the political agreement signed between Dr. Mohammad of our work has focused on pre- Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah following the completion of the vote audit process. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) paring the country’s institutions how big an achievement this is in tion and to improve justice for all tried and discussed, and eventu- to develop best practices and ap- the life of the country and in the in more effectively ensuring lives ally the parties agreed to form ply them. And then, of course, we life of the region. of dignity. With broad dialogue a government of national unity. had to support the electoral pro- All those millions of men and already underway with the people This prolonged period of confron- cess, including when faced with women who voted have had their of the country, including in video tation created a lot of problems in a deadlock by supporting a 100 votes honoured through the gov- conferences and meetings of both the security, economic, political per cent audit process. That was a ernment of national unity, led by the president and CEO with el- and social areas. So that was the major part of our work; it started the president elected with the ma- ders and other representatives of most difficult—the protracted more than two years ago when we jority of votes. There are no losers; the people across Afghanistan, nature of this effort to come to a were helping Afghanistan’s elec- there are only winners. The people and also in meetings with the in- good solution, the government of toral institutions prepare. of Afghanistan are the winners ternational community, I believe national unity. That is what I will We also worked to help instil here. That is a major achievement the leadership is taking the right definitely remember. a culture of peace and coopera- in spite of the rather understand- steps to identify and address the On the other hand, discussions tion and reconciliation by sup- able discussions in the process of concerns of the people. Even with and disputes are normal; they are porting local efforts to kick-start forming the new government of many problems, the country can natural, and in every situation of dialogue through activities in dif- national unity and challenges in expect a better and more stable this kind and in any country of ferent provinces. I would also like promoting the urgently needed future. the world, it takes time to come to highlight our support for devel- deep reform agenda. It’s an on- UNAMA: In the wake of Af- to a solution. From that perspec- opment coherence and humani- going process. ghanistan’s recent elections tive, it was handled relatively well, tarian assistance, but of course We already see some important deadlock, what would you char- with leaders and their campaigns there are many other aspects of steps being taken by the president acterize as the most challenging showing responsibility, maturity our work as well. As always, there to strengthen security and pro- part in helping the process move and an ability to find compromise. are some successful stories, but mote regional and international to completion? I am confident this will character- also some failures. Nevertheless, cooperation, to combat corrup- Kubiš: All the options were ize their work relationship in fu- I believe that the UN firmly sup- ture years. ports Afghanistan as a reliable, UNAMA: Afghanistan now unbiased and dedicated partner has a new president, but there are and will be here, working for the doubts about the sustainability of benefit of Afghanistan according the national unity government. to its wishes and national priori- What is your view about the fu- ties, for years to come. ture of the government? UNAMA: How would you de- Kubiš: The government of scribe the current state of politi- national unity led by President cal affairs in the country? Ghani is a product of intensive Kubiš: Promising. We should prolonged discussions. Parties in- not forget the bigger picture deed came to the conclusion that that the country managed to go this partnership is the best solu- through a successful political tion for the country, and is sup- transition. Many were scepti- ported by the people. So I have no cal. Many did not believe that it doubts. Yes, there will be problems would happen, that the elections in the way forward; it is natural. In would bring a new government, many governments that include and, in the event, a government different factions, there are almost of national unity. We should not daily discussions and sometimes forget this is indeed the first time Special Representative Ján Kubiš visits a warehouse during the vote audit disputes. Yet if there is a shared Afghanistan had a democratic process in the Afghan presidential elections. The UN, mandated to support objective and shared strategic goal and peaceful transition from one the organization of the elections, was jointly requested by the two presidential as it is in the case of the govern- elected president to another elect- candidates and also separately by the authorities of Afghanistan, to coordinate ment of national unity, then I have ed president. Let’s understand international supervision of the audit. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) no doubt they will be able to work Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 9 “All those millions of men and women who voted have had their votes honoured through the government of national unity, led by the president elected with the majority of votes. There are no losers; there are only winners.” together. United Nations Special Representative Ján Kubiš walks with the Governor of Nangarhar province, Attaullah Ludin, The people of Afghanistan, during a visit to the eastern region to assess the situation in the area. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) during the whole election and to come with our ideas but indeed on you during your service as the international community, nota- political transition, have proven to be helpful where Afghanistan top official of the United Nations bly the countries in the region. all the sceptics constantly and will need us most. in Afghanistan? When I started, they were not continuously wrong. Scepticism Every part of the UN system has Kubiš: My partners—the Af- very active, not in a way that I is a safe bet. If something will certain visions, certain ideas, cer- ghan people. I had had short vis- would have liked them to be. But not work, they will be able to say, tain programmes and projects, and its before in different professional now they are here and increas- “Oh, I knew it; I told you so.” This certain inertia. The donors have capacities and came with certain ingly would like to work with, is not to suggest we should close certain visions and inertia as well, understandings, mostly based on and in support of, Afghanistan. our eyes to the many problems. so it will be a challenging period of reading stories, not only profes- This is encouraging. There are problems, and they are adjustment. But I am confident we sional literature, but also poems UNAMA: What would you massive. The new government will have a lot to offer in all the areas and novels. But of course you like to say to the country’s new have a difficult job in addressing of the UN mandates and activities. meet people, you talk to them, political leaders? them. And they may fail in certain Afghanistan will need our assis- you see how they live, you see Kubiš: Stay on course. If I look areas. But again, let’s not be only tance and engagement, and we are how they act, and you correct or at the inauguration statement of sceptical. ready to provide it. We will have reinforce preconceptions. I am President Ghani, the intensions Let’s learn from the resilience to adjust to the new realities and glad that I was given a chance to are good. The speech was full of and determination of the people needs of the country. Improved ac- work here with the people of Af- substance; it was not a protocol of Afghanistan. I am sometimes countability and good governance ghanistan. That is what has made statement, nor did it just gloss over surprised how international ana- on the side of Afghanistan are a the strongest impression on me; the issues. And the statement of lysts and also some local analysts part of the process and also will it has corrected and reinforced Chief Executive Abdullah gave an are unable to understand the real take time. So the adjustment will certain positive attitudes I al- indication that indeed the whole resilience and determination of the necessarily be gradual. ready had. government shares objectives as a people of this beautiful country. UNAMA: On a personal level, I am proud of the strong common vision for the future. UNAMA: What would you what has made the biggest impact partnership of the UN with the So stay on course, quickly de- characterize as the key challenges velop this common vision into a ahead for Afghanistan and the UN series of practical steps and con- working to support the govern- vince the people that their votes ment? And do you anticipate any were right. It is a heavy responsi- changes in the work of UNAMA bility that they have acquired now. now and in the long-term? So it is for them now to convince Kubiš: We will have, first of all, the people indeed that their votes to define our new mission. That were cast for the right candidates. will be done for us by Afghanistan UNAMA: And to the people and the members of the Security of Afghanistan, what would you Council. We will have to define like to say? clearly our new mission after the Kubiš: Give trust to your lead- completion of the transition and ers and support them, work with after the withdrawal of the In- them and understand that mir- ternational Security Assistance acles will not happen from one Force. day to another. It will take the The country is on a different line; long work of many years, but the the country is now sovereign. We president is clear on the way for- cannot simply continue businesses ward, and the CEO is clear on the as usual, so now is the time to deter- way forward. They share the same mine the elements of our mandate vision, so give them your trust. Ján Kubiš at the second annual high-level meeting between the Government of Continue supporting them now and then the modalities for imple- Afghanistan and the United Nations Country Team to strengthen partnerships menting it, to work with and for Af- through the 2015-2024 period. Senior Afghan and UN officials said the sup- that they work together as you ghanistan, to listen to the wishes of port of the world body should continue in a coherent manner by reinforcing an supported them when you voted this sovereign country and not only Afghan-led development agenda. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) for them. 10 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 Afghan talents perform at UN Day concert on the country’s youth to help A live music concert, address the challenges facing the one of a series of events South Asian nation. “When I look around today, held across Afghani- I’m happy to see so many young stan to mark UN Day, people who are able to pursue higher studies,” said Mr. Bowden, featured prominent addressing an audience of schol- Afghan musicians who ars and hundreds of students sang songs of peace and gathered at Kabul University to mark UN Day. urged listeners to work Mr. Bowden said the world together in harmony. body is needed now more than ever to lend support to the young concert held in Kabul, people working for change in Af- broadcast on Afghan tele- ghanistan. “You, I hope, will be- A vision and carried on satel- come the lawyers, scholars, teach- lite around the world, showcased ers and politicians on whom the some of the country’s top singers Singer Farzana Naz performs during a UN Day musical concert held in Kabul on country’s future depends; but also, and highlighted the United Na- 23 October ad broadcast live globally. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) I should say, the United Nations tions’ work in support of the peo- depends on you as well,” he added. ple of Afghanistan. “In the 69 years of its existence, The concert, one of a series “UN efforts in the reconstruction and the goals of the United Nations of UN-backed events organized to help foster and sustain peace across Afghanistan to mark UN political processes in Afghanistan throughout the world have not Day, celebrated annually on 24 changed,” the UN Deputy Special October, featured prominent Af- have been significant in improving the Representative said. ghan musicians who sang songs of Also speaking at the university peace and urged listeners to work livelihood of the people.” event, Zamira Sayedi, a Kabul Uni- together in harmony and mutual versity law student, said the Af- respect for the sake of the coun- —Obaidullah Obaidi ghan people are grateful to the UN try’s future. cert’s featured singer. tation” through bonded labour, for playing “a significant role for Performers at the Kabul con- Observed since 1948, UN Day human trafficking, sexual slavery peace in recent years,” helping to cert included Shehzad Adeel, marks the anniversary of the en- or unsafe conditions in factories, support democracy and working Mostafa Sufi and Farzana Naz. try into force in 1945 of the UN fields and mines. with millions of Afghan refugees Each sang a set of songs, in Dari Charter, the world body’s found- “The founding of the United to assist them in returning home. and Pashto, drawing on nation- ing document. Afghanistan has Nations was a solemn pledge to At the Kabul event, hosted by ally known favourites along with been a member of the UN since the world’s people to end such the university’s Faculty of Law, popular tunes. The musicians, 1946, and has participated in the assaults on human dignity, and Afghanistan’s Minister of Higher cheered on by several hundred work of the organization for the lead the way to a better future,” Education, Obaidullah Obaidi, audience participants, spoke be- benefit of the Afghan people and Mr. Ban remarked. “There have said the UN can be more effective tween their songs to congratulate others around the world. been painful setbacks, and there when all countries work in close Afghans on UN Day and urge In his message for the Day, UN is much work still ahead to realize partnership with the world body. everybody around the country to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the Charter’s vision.” “UN efforts in the reconstruc- work for peace. noted that poverty, disease, terror- Speaking at an official UN tion and political processes in Af- “I call on all Afghans to work ism, discrimination and climate Day event held at Kabul Univer- ghanistan have been significant in for the stability and prosperity change are exacting a heavy toll sity, the UN Secretary-General’s improving the livelihood of the of Afghanistan,” said Ms. Naz, a on millions of people, who con- Deputy Special Representative in people,” said Mr. Obaidi. “The well-known talent and the con- tinue to suffer “deplorable exploi- the country, Mark Bowden, called Ministry has always been cooper- ative with the international com- munity, particularly the UN.” Other events marking UN Day across the country included panel discussions and quiz contests to highlight the world body’s work in support of the government and the people of Afghanistan. Events in the provinces of Pak- tya, Balkh, Bamyan and Kunduz, in the country’s southeast, north, central and northeast, respec- tively, marked UN Day by high- lighting the world body’s role in Afghanistan, in general, and in helping to address the challenges encountered during the recently concluded presidential elections, in particular. “I would like to highlight the United Nations’ profound role in helping the Afghan election problem reach a solution,” said the Deputy Governor of Balkh, Mohammad Zahir Wahdat. “The people of Afghanistan acknowl- edge the efforts of the UN in Kabul University students go through a security check to attend a UN Day event on the campus. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) breaking the stalemate.” Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 11 Afghan women rise in politics, peace At events attended by men and women rep- resenting civil society and government in- stitutions, a top rec- ommendation from many participants was that more women be involved in decision- making at all levels. gainst the backdrop of a significant gender gap in AAfghan civil society and state representation, the United Nations hosted several events across Afghanistan to mark the annual Global Open Days and discuss the role of women in the country’s political and peace pro- cesses. At the events, attended by men and women representing civil so- ciety and government institutions, a top recommendation from many participants was that more The Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative, Nicholas Haysom, chairs a gathering of Afghan women as part of the women be involved in decision- Global Open Days observance in Kabul. (Photo: Sayed Muhammad Shah) making at local, regional and na- mechanisms designed to address the importance of their equal par- the United Nations in supporting tional levels. violence against women have in ticipation in maintaining and pro- the work of government and civil At one event, held in the Af- some cases been ineffectually im- moting peace. society institutions to enhance ghan capital of Kabul on 8 Octo- plemented. At the Kabul meeting, Afghani- women’s contributions in Afghan- ber, two senior UN officials—the “I want to reiterate and reaffirm stan’s Deputy Minister of Women’s istan. Secretary-General’s Deputy Spe- the UN’s commitment to doing Affairs, Sayeda Mojgan Mostafavi, “There is a unique opportunity cial Representative for Afghani- what we can to promote women’s identified gains made during the to set out, once again and with stan, Nicholas Haysom, and the inclusion in all political and peace past year for women participating clarity, the agenda of women and Deputy Country Representative processes,” Mr. Haysom said. “I in politics. the importance of women’s par- for the UN Entity for Gender want to acknowledge, specifically, “We are at an important point ticipation,” said Mr. Haysom, en- Equality and the Empowerment the role played by women and by in history to look back at our couraging civil society groups to of Women (UN Women), Pamela civil society organizations in pro- achievements and identify areas work closely with the new govern- F. Husain—called for the incor- moting women’s participation in that require focus in the future,” ment. “A new government means poration of women’s perspectives the peace and security agenda.” she said. “With a new government, an ability to reschedule or to set and experiences, at all levels of Af- For her part, Ms. Husain un- we have to review the achieve- out once more the imperative of ghan society, to help foster lasting derscored the remarks made by ments of the last government and women’s participation and to find peace in the country. the Deputy Special Representa- we have to design a new plan.” fresh ears to listen to what you Noting that women are both tive and called attention to the Ms. Mostafavi went on to ex- have to say.” the victims of conflict and the UN’s ongoing work in support- plain that the Ministry of Wom- Other events, sponsored by the beneficiaries of peace, Mr. Hay- ing civil society and government en’s Affairs, in collaboration with United Nations Assistance Mis- som said Afghanistan’s current institutions to consolidate gains other ministries and civil society sion in Afghanistan (UNAMA) political transition represents an in women’s rights and secure a groups, has developed an action to mark the Global Open Days, opportunity to institutionalize the peaceful and inclusive future for plan related to resolution 1325. were held in the central province role of women to ensure their per- all Afghans. While the plan is designed to of Kapisa, the north-eastern prov- spectives and experiences can be a “We are at an optimal mo- enhance women’s participation ince of Kunduz and the eastern platform for peace. ment to increase the momen- in Afghan political and peace city of Jalalabad, the capital of “Let me acknowledge the prog- tum of women’s participation in processes, she said, much more Nangahar province, among other ress that has been achieved over all spheres of life,” she said. “It is remains to be done. “We need to areas. the past 12 years in Afghanistan therefore critical that we focus on work together to identify gaps and With the goal of helping to in the protection of Afghan wom- key issues that not only will set the the best possible ways to address close the gender gap for the en and girls and their participa- tone for the next few years but also them,” she concluded. women and girls who remain tion in national political life,” he are fundamental to gender equal- Following the opening remarks disempowered and marginal- said, noting that the number of ity and women’s empowerment.” at the Kabul meeting, participants ized at all levels of Afghan soci- women in leadership positions Global Open Days provide a deliberated about the obstacles ety, the UNAMA-backed events and in electoral institutions has forum for dialogue between UN facing women in Afghanistan, drew hundreds of participants to increased. senior leadership and women’s made recommendations about discuss a wide range of women’s In addition to highlighting the organizations worldwide on the the way forward and asked the issues, including the progress progress made in recent years, the implementation of UN Security UN for increased technical and made in the country with regard Deputy Special Representative Council resolution 1325, adopted financial support in light of the to the elimination of violence called attention to the challenges in the year 2000. The Open Days upcoming 2015 parliamentary against women, the Afghan leg- that women in Afghanistan con- were launched in 2010 to mark elections and the implementation islation that criminalizes acts tinue to face. the tenth anniversary of the reso- of Afghanistan’s action plan for of violence against women and “Conservative norms discour- lution, which outlines the role resolution 1325. harmful practices such as child age women’s participation in of women in the prevention and Mr. Haysom and Ms. Husain marriage, forced marriage, rapep public life,” he stated, adding that resolution of conflict and stresses reiterated the commitment of and beating. 12 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 Roses replace poppies in Nangarhar UN police Extension section of the Achin adviser wins district of Nangarhar, Muham- mad Tawfeeq Naseri, says poppy global award cultivation has drastically de- creased in certain Nangarhar for work with districts as a result of farmers turning to roses. “Rose planta- Afghans tion is an easier job and more cost-effective than poppy culti- vation,” he says. The Orzala perfume factory provides jobs to more than 250 men and women in the area. Mr. Arsala says that the trend of farm- ers transitioning to roses not only has helped many boys and girls attend school, but also has had a direct impact on the crime rate. While such business initiatives are affecting the overall poppy production in Afghanistan, re- ports from the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) indicate that the coun- The Orzala perfume factory offers higher prices for roses than famers can typically try is still the largest producer and earn for growing poppies, thereby encouraging farmers in Nangarhar to give up cultivator of opium in the world. poppy cultivation and plant roses instead. (Photo: Shafiqullah Waak) Last year, in addition to this With strong demand grams of opium from 2,500 square year, opium poppy cultivation metres of poppy fields, resulting in in Afghanistan reached record police adviser serving with for roses in Afghani- 50,000 Afghanis,” he says. “Now, I highs. UNODC’s Opium Survey the United Nations Assis- stan, the Orzala per- collect about 2,400 kilograms of in 2014 indicated that farmers tance Mission in Afghani- roses from the same land, result- grew poppies on some 224,000 A stan (UNAMA), Shakti Devi, has fume-manufacturing ing in 120,000 Afghanis.” hectares of land, outstripping the won the International Female company has encour- The perfume factory purchas- earlier record in 2013 of 209,000 Peacekeeper Award for what aged farmers in the es roses from nearby farmers at hectares, and representing a seven the judges called “exceptional a significantly higher rate than per cent increase over the previ- achievements.” eastern province of farmers can earn from cultivating ous year. In an environment in which Nangarhar to give up poppies. “We buy roses from hun- Nangarhar, once a poppy-free the fate of women is entwined dreds of farmers throughout the province in 2008, is one of the with and determined by complex poppy cultivation and province,” says the owner of the largest poppy-growing province political and social forces, Ms. plant roses. factory, Abdullah Arsala. in Afghanistan. Devi has worked not only to help Once purchased from the As some farmers are benefit- victims of sexual- and gender- s in many other parts of farmers, the factory extracts rose ting financially from the transi- based violence, but also to estab- the world, roses are sym- oil for producing Orzala perfume. tion to roses, the Afghan gov- lish Women’s Police Councils, Abols of love in Afghani- The signature blend of essential ernment’s Good Performers which serve as active forums for stan. In Afghan literature, poets oils and other natural ingredients Initiative (GPI) programme is women police to seek professional use roses as metaphors for the are first prepared in Jalalabad, designed to benefit entire prov- support and advice. beauty of their beloveds. In daily then shipped to France for final inces. GPI was launched in 2007 Based in Afghanistan’s west- life here, roses are given to dear production. The perfume is an Af- with funding provided by the ern province of Herat, Ms. Devi ones as expressions of love, re- ghan-French venture named after United States. Provinces that has focused on cultivating prin- spect and humility. They embel- a feminine first name “Orzala,” show progress in their poppy- ciples of democracy in policing lish wedding venues and beau- which means sunshine in Pashto eradication efforts are rewarded at the institutional level, and also tify the vehicles that carry brides and gold in French. with US$1 million each year for on helping victims of sexual- and and grooms. Roses are used not The head of the Agricultural development projects. gender-based violence receive jus- only for decorative purposes in tice, either by arrest of suspects, houses and offices, but also to by trial in court or through me- show affection for political lead- diation. ers and to express reverence at The award, given to an out- the shrines of saints. standing female police peacekeep- Against the backdrop of a er serving in a UN peace opera- strong demand for roses in Af- tion, is organized in collaboration ghanistan, the Orzala perfume- with the International Association manufacturing company has en- of Women Police (IAWP) and couraged farmers in the eastern delivered during IAWP’s annual province of Nangarhar to give up conference. poppy cultivation and plant roses. The objectives of the award in- Mohammad Omar, a farmer clude promoting an understand- in the Achin district of Nan- ing of police in peace operations, garhar, originally grew poppies, but eight years ago began culti- highlighting the efforts of female vating roses. He says he is hap- police and increasing an under- py with the income. In fact, he standing of the roles of women of- says, his income increased sig- ficers in various countries. Ms. Devi, a police inspector nificantly after switching from Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached record levels during 2013 and poppies to roses. from India, has served in Afghan- 2014. Reports from UNODC indicate that the country is still the largest producer istan since 2013. “I used to collect three kilo- and cultivator of opium in the world. (Photo: Eric Kanalstein) Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 13 Afghanistan strengthens press freedoms In addition to the rise in the number of Af- ghan media agencies, there has been rapid growth in the number of journalists’ asso- ciations and networks designed to defend the rights of media person- nel and advocate for press freedoms. n the Shahr-e-Naw area of Kabul, new signs reading I“Freedom of Speech Road” went up as part of an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) and media watchdogs ahead of the celebra- tion of World Press Freedom Day and in recognition of the work of Afghan journalists. “Freedom of speech is now The Minister for Information and Culture, Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, addresses the media after naming a Kabul road institutionalized in Afghanistan; “Freedom of Speech” as part of a series of events to celebrate Press Freedom Day . (Photo: Fardin Waezi) this will never be reversed,” said this terror attack.” Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, the “The presence of such a huge number In recognition of increasing Minister for Information and threats to journalists, this year’s Culture, during the ceremony to of media institutions, hundreds of World Press Freedom Day fo- inaugurate the new street signs. journalists, relevant legislation and the cused on defending the media “This wouldn’t have been possible from attacks on their indepen- without the relentless and brave active performance of the media are dence and paying tribute to jour- struggle of our journalists and nalists who have lost their lives in media organizations.” the biggest achievements during last 13 the line of duty. As in other parts of the world, The world body’s chief, Ban Ki- press freedoms in Afghanistan are years in Afghanistan.” moon, and the Director-General the lifeblood of democracy, not of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, in a only encouraging social, political —Mujeeb Khilwatgar joint message for the World Press and economic deliberation, but stations, and some 300 newspa- ates of media organizations con- Freedom Day this year, called for also fostering accountability for pers and magazines currently in tinue to be threatened in the on- more journalist protections. good governance. As such, press print or online. going military conflict. According “In many countries, journal- freedoms are tightly linked to ba- “The presence of such a huge to Nai, in 2013 alone there were ists and other media workers face sic human rights. number of media institutions, 78 cases of violence against jour- systematic obstacles to reporting The Afghan Constitution al- hundreds of journalists, relevant nalists, with 50 of these involv- the truth, ranging from censor- lows for freedom of the press and legislation and the active perfor- ing Afghan security forces, eight ship, arrest and imprisonment to of expression. The country’s Mass mance of the media are the big- involving the Taliban and five intimidation, attacks and even as- Media Law, which came into effect gest achievements during last 13 involving international security sassination,” the two UN officials in 2009, prohibits censorship and years in Afghanistan,” says the forces. The 78 cases include six said. “These outrageous abuses guarantees the citizens the right to Executive Director of Nai, Mujeeb journalists killed, four wounded show that press freedom and the obtain information. Khilwatgar. and 35 physically assaulted. human rights it underpins are The draft of another signifi- In addition to the rise in the “Increased insecurity has taken extremely fragile and must be ac- cant law, Access to Information, number of media agencies, there a toll on freedom of speech in the tively defended.” has been approved by the Cabinet has been rapid growth in the num- country,” says Nai’s director. In the wake of the celebrations Council and the Lower House of ber of journalists’ associations The Afghan Journalist Safety of World Press Freedom Day, the the Afghan Parliament. Drafted and networks designed to defend Committee (AJSC), in its Au- United Nations Assistance Mis- by civil society organizations and the rights of media personnel and gust report, documented a 60 per sion in Afghanistan organized human rights networks, the legis- advocate for press freedoms. Nine cent increase in cases of violence several roundtable discussions on lation, if made law, will be applied of these advocacy institutions last against journalists during the media issues and to pay tribute to to state institutions at the national year formed an umbrella organi- first six months of the year. “If we the martyred journalists. These and subnational level. zation, the Afghanistan Journal- compare with the first six months roundtables were covered by the During the Taliban regime’s ists’ Federation. of 2013, we have a 60 per cent media in the southern province of rule, the media sector was re- Along with these developments, increase in the cases of violence Kandahar, the western province stricted to one radio broadcaster social media use is growing in the against journalists in 2014, which of Herat, the northern province of and a limited number of news- country, particularly among young is deeply concerning,” says Najeeb Balkh and the eastern province of papers and magazines. Since people. Smartphones have made it Sharifi, AJSC’s director. Nangarhar. 2001, the sector has grown dra- easy to receive news headlines on Following the killing of two The discussions involved media matically. According to Afghan mobile devices and share opin- international journalists, Anja experts, academics, governmental media watchdog Nai, nearly 100 ions on Facebook and Twitter. The Niedringhaus and Kathy Gannon, officials, civil society representa- television channels are currently prevalence 3G services and the in the south-eastern Afghan prov- tives and UN officials. They shed registered with the Ministry of In- availability of less expensive inter- ince of Khost on 4 April, the UN light on issues related to press formation and Culture, with more net access have fostered eyewitness Secretary-General’s Special Rep- freedoms in Afghanistan, and paid than 50 of them actively broad- citizen reporting in the country. resentative for the country, Ján tribute to the journalists for their casting. There are now 172 radio However, journalists and affili- Kubiš, said he was “outraged by bravery and sacrifices. 14 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 VOX POPULI UNAMA asked Afghans in different regions of the country “What are your expectations from the new president?” LAGHMAN KABUL Muqadasa Miraj, medical doctor Fatana Bayat, construction company “I hope our new president will draw worker more attention to peace, stability, “One of the commitments made in reconstruction and job opportunities. the Tokyo Conference was promoting Also, I hope he will continue to the private sector in Afghanistan. empower women by providing However, the Afghan government has education and employment facilities. not taken many practical steps to meet During last more than ten years, Karzai’s this commitment, and no significant administration did a lot for women with achievements have been made in this the support of international community, regard. My expectation from the new and I hope the new government will president is that he will promote the continue to work to empower women.” private sector in the country, keeping in mind gender balance so that women can play a more crucial role. Women make up half of the population, and can work shoulder-to-shoulder with PAKTIKA men for improving economic activities in the country so that Afghan society Manawar Khan, shopkeeper can achieve sustainable development.” “My expectations from the new president include upgrading my living KUNDUZ standard, bringing peace and ensuring Malang, restaurant owner security. Most of our people face economic challenges and have minimal “I hope the next president will make financial resources. The new president our homeland stable, serve our nation, should provide working opportunities establish companies, rebuild the roads and put plans and policies into place and develop villages. We don’t want a president who achieves power with that will increase people’s income and our votes and then acts as he wishes, purchasing power. We are suffering. We forgetting our hopes and expectations. are starving from hunger and have limited access to health and education I expect the next president to prioritize services. The new president should eliminate all sorts of corruption. Paktika security in Afghanistan, disband the is a large province with huge economic potential, but the government isn’t illegal armed groups and leave the guns using it for the people’s wellbeing. Our new government should develop plans only with responsible people.” to use our natural resources efficiently and work for peace and security.” KABUL BALKH Fraidoon Hemmat, college student Waheeda Faizi, journalist “My humble request to him is to focus “It is true that the media sector has on national unity as a first priority, as made significant advancements they’ve promised us a national unity during the last 13 years, but the role government. I would want them to women play in this field should be make a government for the people, enhanced. My expectation from the not for themselves, and remove ethnic, new president is, first of all, approving religious and political divisions, the Access to Information law and, and make a united Afghanistan, a secondly, approving another law that united Afghan nation. This is how we would encourage women to become could focus on economy, education, journalists by requiring media development and so forth. I don’t institutions to meet a quota of at least think any future government will be able to stand on its feet if it doesn’t 30 per cent women in the workforce. In addition, people should be taught, prioritize national unity as the first thing on its to-do list.” through religious scholars and social leaders, that journalism is not a bad profession. This kind of education would help families encourage their women to work in this profession.” KANDAHAR Shafiullah Khan, student and youth HERAT activist “I hope the new president will Sakhidad, day laborer work for the welfare of the people “I am a poor man supporting a family of and improve the economy. The seven people. I am the only provider. My new government should eliminate request for the next president is to think corruption because corruption is about poverty and unemployment and like a virus that will destroy the have a plan for us. We are suffering and whole system. The military and other need support. Since the beginning of the security institutions are equipped, and election, our workload decreased. No they can bring security to this war- one has come to hire us for construction torn country. We are tired of ongoing projects. Everybody says it is because of fighting and that is the reason that people came out of their homes in the elections. We come here from early large numbers to cast their votes. Lastly, I would like the new government morning, and leave late in the afternoon to provide job opportunities to the young people, especially those who without being able to buy bread for our family. We cannot earn money these days.” graduate from universities and then become jobless.” Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 15 UN reports civilian casualties rising in 2014 From 1 January to 30 elements, the second leading cause of civilian casualties in 2014, were June 2014, UNAMA behind 1,463 civilian casualties, documented 4,853 ci- up seven per cent from 2013, the vilian casualties, up 24 highest number of civilian casual- ties from this tactic recorded in a per cent over the same six-month period since UNAMA period in 2013. In- started tracking these figures in 2009. cluded in the toll were Voicing his concern over the 1,564 civilian deaths rising toll of the Afghan conflict on and 3,289 injuries. civilians, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted, in his lat- he UN documented a shift est report on the situation in the in the nature of Afghan civil- country, that civilians are increas- Tians being killed or injured ingly caught in the crossfire, “with this year, with ground combat sur- alarming increases in the num- passing improvised explosive de- ber of deaths and injuries among vices (IEDs) as the leading cause of women and children.” The UN civilian casualties. chief also said the world body is The 2014 Mid-Year Report on UN reports indicate that IEDs used by insurgent groups are the second leading seeking engagement with all par- Protection of Civilians in Armed cause of civilian casualties. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) ties to the Afghan conflict “to help Conflict, released in July by the ian casualties from what we call Human Rights, noted that from 1 alleviate the impact of the armed UN Assistance Mission in Af- ground engagements and civilians January to 30 June 2014, UNAMA conflict on civilians.” ghanistan (UNAMA), indicated caught in the crossfire between the documented 4,853 civilian casual- UNAMA’s Ms. Gagnon said the that ground engagements and Afghan forces on one hand and ties, up 24 per cent over the same UN has been making “very strong crossfire hit children and women the insurgents on the other,” said period in 2013. Included in the statements” to all parties to ad- with unprecedented force, with as- UNAMA’s Human Rights Direc- toll were 1,564 civilian deaths and dress the situation of women and sociated child casualties more than tor, Georgette Gagnon. 3,289 injuries, up 17 and 28 per children being affected by ground doubling in the first six months of Ms. Gagnon also said the IEDs cent from the same time period engagements. 2014, and with two-thirds more planted near civilian communities last year, respectively. As the international military women being killed and injured by is “extremely worrying.” Ground engagements caused forces prepare to draw down, the ground engagements compared to “Our message to insurgents two out of every five civilian casu- UNAMA human rights chief said the figures from 2013. has been to cease planting IEDs alties in 2014, amounting to 39 per Afghanistan’s international part- “What the UN has documented in public areas and also stop using cent of all civilian casualties, which ners should make sure that the over the first six months of 2014 mortars and other weapons in an is an increase of 89 per cent over Afghan forces have the directives, and continuing through July, Au- indiscriminate way that kills and 2013 figures. Total child civilian resources and training required to gust and September has been an injures civilians,” said Ms. Gagnon. casualties increased 34 per cent, protect civilians and are provided increase in civilian casualties com- The UNAMA report, prepared while total women civilian casual- “tactical assistance” on counter- pared to the previous year, but in coordination with the UN Of- ties increased 24 per cent. IED efforts and efforts to address most critically an increase in civil- fice of the High Commissioner for IEDs used by anti-Government explosive remnants of war. Afghan experts address violence against women A UN-backed event factors that raise concerns regard- ing women being unfairly treated drew representatives in the process. from governmental The Afghan Minister of Wom- en’s Affairs, Hosn Bano Ghaza- bodies, civil society nfar, was one of the speakers at and academia to dis- the Kabul event. She outlined cuss improving mecha- how existing mediation mecha- nisms have not been effective nisms designed to ad- in criminal cases that involve dress violence against physical violence, murder or sexual assault. These cases, she women. said, should be adjudicated in a iven the major role played manner more appropriate than by mediation in cases of informal mediation. Gviolence against women In particular, the Minister cited in Afghanistan, a range of experts changes in Afghanistan’s approach gathered at a United Nations- to the Elimination of Violence backed conference in the Afghan Against Women (EVAW) law as capital of Kabul on 16 September Participants at a UN-backed conference discuss recommendations to improve steps in the right direction. to develop recommendations to judicial responses to violence against women. (Photo: Fardin Waezi) Enacted in 2009 through a improve judicial responses to such lines Conference—drew represen- as slow, corrupt and distant, ac- Presidential decree, the EVAW law cases along with mediation guide- tatives from governmental bodies, cording to experts. criminalizes acts of violence against lines where appropriate. civil society and academia. Traditional mediation ap- women and harmful practices in- Hosted by Afghanistan’s Minis- Informal approaches have of- proaches stem from existing prac- cluding child marriage, forced mar- try of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), fered women victims of violence a tices and are considered to be riage, forced self-immolation, baad and supported by the Ministry more accessible, faster, less expen- acceptable within religious and (giving away a woman or girl to of Finance and the UN Assis- sive and culturally acceptable solu- cultural frameworks. However, settle a dispute) and 18 other acts of tance Mission in Afghanistan tion to seek justice and remedies mediation is typically conducted violence against women including (UNAMA), the event—entitled compared to opting for a criminal by various entities without any rape and beating. It also specifies Development of Mediation Guide- justice process that is often viewed standards, guidelines or training, punishment for perpetrators. Volume 4, Issue 2 | Summer / Fall 2014 United Nations: Afghanistan Quarterly 16 In her remarks at the con- ference, the head of UNAMA UN humanitarian officials meet Human Rights, Georgette Ga- gnon, outlined findings from the world body’s annual reports on displaced in Khost ahead of winter the EVAW law. The reports, she noted, identify shortfalls in the Since June, military implementation of the law by po- lice, attorneys and courts across operations in Paki- the country. stan’s North Waziristan Released in December last year, Agency, which bor- UNAMA’s “A Way to Go: An Up- date on Implementation of the Law ders Afghanistan, on the Elimination of Violence have caused large scale against Women in Afghanistan” population displace- indicated that Afghan authorities registered more cases of violence ments, with thousands against women in 2013—but pros- of people crossing into ecutions and convictions under Afghan provinces. the law remained low, with most cases settled by mediation. n a show of support for thou- Both Afghan and UN findings sands of displaced families, indicate that while many cases of Ithe United Nations’ top hu- manitarian official in Afghani- violence against women have been stan, Mark Bowden, visited the addressed through traditional me- country’s south-eastern province UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Mark Bowden, speaks at a camp of conflict-dis- diation, programmatic changes to of Khost on 29 October to under- placed people in Khost. (Photo: Sayed Muhammad Shah) judicial approaches to the EVAW score the world body’s commit- in Afghanistan. In speaking with the displaced law would be more effective in ment to them as the Afghan win- “I hope that we can all work families, Mr. Bowden, who later dealing with the issue. ter approaches. toward a situation where a peace- met with civil society groups in “We expect that the outcome of Mr. Bowden was accompanied ful life in this area and in this the area, expressed the world this discussion today will strength- by the head of the office of the UN region are possible, securing for body’s commitment to do every- en the work of all of you, of all High Commissioner for Refu- everybody a better long-term fu- thing in its power, with its Afghan the institutions working so hard gees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, ture,” he added. partners, to assist those most at on eliminating violence against Bo Schack. The UN delegation Khost Provincial Governor Ab- risk through the winter. women,” said Ms. Gagnon. “Our met with community leaders in dul Jabbar Naeemi asked for help “We will look, within our most recent report found achieve- the Gulan camp for the conflict- with the newly displaced. He told means, at how we can support ments in how the government was displaced in Khost and discussed the UN delegation that the grow- your needs,” said Mr. Bowden, implementing the EVAW law in 22 their needs, including fuel, power ing number of displaced is putting adding that he will convey their provinces, but there are still prob- and shelter, for the coming winter. pressure on Khost’s residents and concerns, in particular, about ed- lems; too many cases of violence Since June, military operations the provincial government. ucation and support for their chil- against women are being mediated in Pakistan’s North Waziristan “In Tanai district, more than dren, to authorities in the Afghan at all levels.” Agency, which borders Afghani- 300 families have newly arrived,” capital, Kabul. Citing the use of mediation for stan, have caused large scale he said, highlighting the influx In discussion with camp lead- population displacements, with of people in one of Khost’s many ers, UNHCR’s Mr. Schack out- cases that do not meet the specific thousands of people crossing into overburdened districts. “We don’t lined plans for winter support for EVAW law requirements, Ms. Ga- Afghan provinces. According to have any kind of facilities or any vulnerable Afghans and said that gnon said mediation should only figures from UNHCR, displace- kind of stock in the district to of- the UN agency is working with be done when the women involved ments are continuing, with the fer these newly arrived families in the humanitarian community and give consent. number of displaced families now the cold weather.” Afghan partners to draft a govern- “We hope and expect the pro- estimated at 33,000. The visit follows a meeting be- ment-led response plan. cess today will lead to some stan- “You have my sympathy, and I tween Mr. Bowden and President UNHCR is prepared to pro- dards that will be implemented by understand that this is not the first Ashraf Ghani, who expressed con- vide assistance, including cloth- all those people involved in vio- time that you had to move from cern and asked the UN to share its ing, roofing, tents, blankets and lence-against-women cases,” she Waziristan,” said Mr. Bowden, plans to support the most vulner- fuel, for some 16,000 families, and stressed. who is also the Secretary-Gener- able Afghans in the coming harsh is ready to distribute some 6,500 However, she added, while al’s Deputy Special Representative winter months. toolkits that include pick-axes, mediation may be appropriate in shovels, wheelbarrows and sand- some cases, the United Nations, bags to help families winterize together with the MoWA, found their shelters. that mediation is still being used The World Food Programme, in some serious cases of violence the World Health Organization against women, such as rape, mur- and the UN Children’s Fund are der and trafficking. coordinating relief efforts to de- “This is not permitted under the liver tents and other items to the most vulnerable. EVAW law,” the UNAMA official Recent reports from the UN Of- said. “These very serious cases are fice for the Coordination of Hu- to be prosecuted in the courts.” manitarian Affairs indicate that Urging those present to es- conflict and natural disasters have tablish common standards and left many Afghans living without procedures across all judiciary proper shelter. These include fami- mechanisms for effectively us- lies who lost their homes during ing mediation and applying the spring floods in the north, refugee EVAW law, Ms. Gagnon said the families from North Waziristan who United Nations stands ready to have fled their homes to Khost and support all efforts in assisting the neighbouring province of Pakti- Afghan women who are suffer- Residents of the Gulan camp for conflict-displaced people in Khost province build ka, and families displaced internallyy ing from violence. new shelter ahead of the harsh Afghan winter. (Photo: Sayed Muhammad Shah) in the last year due to conflict. Published by: United Nations in Afghanistan Email: [email protected]