Bamyan civil society leaders develop plan to enhance government transparency

21 Aug 2016

Bamyan civil society leaders develop plan to enhance government transparency

BAMYAN - Strengthening civil society’s role in decision-making at the grassroots level, with a view to enhance government transparency and accountability, was the aim of a UN-backed event held in the Yakawlang district of central Bamyan province.

At the event, which was supported by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), nearly 40 participants came together to identify challenges facing civil society involvement in local government decision-making and to recommend practical actions for improvement.

“Successful governance at the grassroots level requires involvement of all segments of society, especially young people and women,” said Abdul Hamid Mubarez, District Governor of Yakawlang, who joined youth group representatives, women’s rights activists and community leaders in the discussion.

Yakawlang district, situated in the north-west part of Bamyan, is famous for natural and archeological sites, including Afghanistan’s first national park of Band-i-Amir.

“Only well-coordinated civil society can play an effective role in local planning and decision-making,” said Hussaindad Ahmadi, a civil society member in Bamyan, noting that absence of funding and lack of coordination are the major challenges civil society organizations in Yakawlang face.

Yakawlang civil society members at the event established a coordination forum and agreed to hold regular meetings to proactively address their issues and discuss their role in making their voices heard in local-level decision-making.

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.