Accountability and transparency the focus of UN-backed event on good governance

25 Dec 2016

Accountability and transparency the focus of UN-backed event on good governance

KHOST - To strengthen government services, accountability and transparency must be improved, said speakers at a UN-backed event in the mostly rural and mountainous eastern province of Khost.

The event in the province’s capital, which brought together some 60 people from government departments, civil society groups and media outlets, was set up by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to focus on improving the working relationship between civil society groups and government counterparts.

In opening remarks, Khost deputy governor Sher Badshah Orguni said the province should be a model of democratic governance, with all provincial line departments publicly sharing information about their performances through the media, in the interest of full accountability and transparency.

According to Mr. Orguni, while the government is working toward this objective, there are many challenges, such as infrastructure development and human rights issues, that that provincial government is actively seeking to address. He urged community leaders and media representatives to do their part to help the government achieve its objectives.

Nora Jan Baheer, a civil society activist, talked about the importance of accessing government information. Mr. Baheer stressed that the access-to-information law should be publicized, and government officials should disseminate information regularly, not only through media outlets but also through the general public.

During the discussion, participants debated about these issues and focused on developing a workable mechanism that could help in institutionalizing accountability and transparency.

Khan Zaman Amarkhail, a representative from the Afghanistan Anti-corruption Network, underscored the importance of transparency especially in the equal application of law so all Afghans can benefit from justice according to the country’s constitutional framework.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists 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.