KANDAHAR - To eliminate corruption from Afghanistan, every individual in every community across the country must play an active role, said panellists in a televised UN-backed debate held in Kandahar this week.

The debate, backed by the Kandahar regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), brought together panellists from government and civil society to focus on the concept of communities holding government representatives and other leaders accountable.

“People should develop the attitude to say no to corruption because no one can stand against the power of the people,” said Ehsanullah Ehsan, one of the three panellists, and a civil society representative.

“Unfortunately, we have become spectators of corrupt activities by turning a blind eye,” he said. “The best way to fight corruption is to understand our own responsibilities.”

Mr. Ehsan, along with the other panellists, called on youth, civil society organizations and local communities to use social media and other platforms to raise awareness about the negative impact of corruption.

According to independent research, Afghanistan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, affecting every segment of Afghan society, including business practices, government services, rule of law and justice. A new UNAMA report, release last week, found that Afghan authorities have made progress in their fight against corruption, but indicated that enormous challenges remain.

“For the sake of the country’s future, corruption in Afghanistan must be addressed and eliminated,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, in launching the report called ‘Afghanistan’s Fight Against Corruption: The Other Battlefield.’

“The United Nations welcomes the progress already made, and fully supports the government’s ongoing efforts to fight corruption in the interest of ending impunity, ensuring accountability and transparency, and restoring integrity to the management of public services, finances and natural resources,” the UN envoy said.

The Kandahar debate, which will be broadcasted to an audience estimated at 400,000 people in and around Kandahar city on local TV and radio, was the second in a two-part series.

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.