KABUL - President Ghani signed a decree establishing an independent Anti-Corruption Justice Centre in Kabul, which will be responsible for tackling high-level corruption in Afghanistan.

The centre includes specialized police, prosecution units and courts that are designed to be independent from political and other pressures in detecting, investigating and prosecuting corruption. Established at the national level and unique in Afghanistan, the centre is also designed to enable better coordination among judicial institutions to focus more thoroughly on major corruption crimes among high-ranking officials.

The formation of the centre follows an international anti-corruption conference in May, where President Ghani described corruption in Afghanistan as a national shame and promised to end the impunity of those involved in corruption.

Along with international partners, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) worked closely with the Afghan Government to develop the centre concept and provide technical assistance in its formation.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.