KABUL - In the last of a series of three meetings to examine the role of United Nations entities in Afghanistan, senior Government and UN officials, along with representatives from the international donor community, met in Kabul today.

The Tripartite Review Commission was established following Security Council Resolution 2210 of 16 March 2015, which renewed the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The mandate requested “…a full examination of the role, structure and activities of all United Nations entities in Afghanistan, in full consultation and engagement with the Government of Afghanistan and key stakeholders, including the donor community, in light of the completion of transition and the beginning of the Transformation Decade and in accordance with the principles of Afghan national sovereignty, national leadership and national ownership.”

Today’s meeting of the Tripartite Review Commission was co-chaired by Salahuddin Rabbani, Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.

“While promoting greater mutual accountability, the UN should continue to build a more unified structure and integrated approach to its engagement and consolidate programmes in preparation for the eventual transition and adjustment of UNAMA’s presence in accordance with the principles of Afghan ownership and leadership,” said Mr. Rabbani.

“The United Nations will continue to work closely with the Government to support its priorities and the people of Afghanistan,” said Mr. Haysom, who is also head of UNAMA. “It is critical that the UN continues to provide, and advocate for, continued support, assistance and attention from the international community.”

The Tripartite Review Commission notes the value of the UN in Afghanistan: “Drawing on its global presence and international experience and resources, and relying on its presence in the country, the UN provides focused, quality technical assistance in key areas and attracts and sustains funding to support sustainable transfer of long-term capacity in Afghanistan; and, through its normative role, sets, monitors and implements international standards and best practices and, through engagement with donors and other multilateral organisations, supports Afghanistan in carrying out reforms, striving towards peace, fulfilling treaty obligations and engaging effectively with the international community, including operating more effectively in the international economy.”

A report detailing the result of this examination process will be presented to the Security Council through the Secretary-General ahead of its September debate on Afghanistan.

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For more information, please contact:

Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://mfa.gov.af

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: http://unama.unmissions.org