LASHKARGAH - A peaceful settlement of the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan will bring with it increased prosperity for the country said speakers at two UN-backed events held in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar recently.

In Helmand province – which is restive with a landscape characterized by agricultural plains -- around 250 religious scholars, tribal elders, civil society representatives and members of the Provincial Peace Committee and Provincial Shura gathered with media representatives, youth and women’s rights activists to discuss ways to bring prosperity to the country.

Hayathullah Hayat, the Governor of Helmand, said that, first and foremost, it is necessary to bring about reform, after which it would be possible to speak about peace on a broader level.

“If we make peace among ourselves, then we would be able to make peace in our country as well,” said Mr. Hayat.

 “If you don’t have peace, you won’t have dignity and respect,” said Hamid Hafizullah Khan, a prominent Helmand leader. “Your children will grow up in fear and will be deprived of education and a good life.”

Another speaker, Malwai Meherdil, a member of Helmand’s Ulema, stressed the role of religious leaders in the peace process. He said the time had arrived for Afghanistan’s religious leaders to break their silence on this issue.

Following the discussions, participants issued a declaration that included the need to eliminate corruption, and urged  insurgents to join the peace process and renounce violence.

Meanwhile, in Kandahar – which also faces insecurity and is largely rural -- around 60 religious scholars gathered to discuss similar issues. They called for a peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict and urged insurgents to renounce violence.

Simon Hermes, Head of UNAMA’s field office in Kandahar, reiterated UNAMA’s support for an Afghan-led and -owned peace and reconciliation process, and said UNAMA will continue to provide good-offices support to any peace and reconciliation processes.

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.