HERAT - UNAMA’s role in supporting the Government and people of Afghanistan in their pursuit of sustainable peace and development was highlighted during a briefing to students in western Herat.

Around 40 students from Kahkashan-e-Sharq University participated in a two-hour presentation delivered by UNAMA staff including Khalil Osman, the head of the UNAMA Office in Herat, along with team leaders, including from Human Rights, Political Affairs, Governance and Rule of Law.

Students learned about the Mission’s mandate -- which is reviewed annually by the UN Security Council – as well as its history, organizational structure and functions.

As a Political Mission, UNAMA’s work in Afghanistan includes support to good offices, human rights, development coordination and regional cooperation. It helps lead and coordinate international civilian work assisting Afghanistan and its people.

The students were also introduced to the core values of the UN: integrity, respect for diversity and professionalism.

Wais Ahmad Hikmat, a economic student, said the briefing was helpful in learning in detail about UNAMA’s work and the differences between a humanitarian organization and a special political mission in the United Nations.

“It is vital to have independent international bodies in the country like UNAMA that support human rights, protection of civilians and the building of the capacity of the Afghan Government, as well as cooperate with and support civil society,” said Mr. Hikmat.

Shaqaiq Nabil, a fellow student, said “For us, it was an invaluable opportunity to gain a clearer understanding about UNAMA’s operations and to discuss important issues.”

The visit, part of outreach activities initiated by UNAMA in Herat, also focused on assisting students to understand the organization’s recruitment process.

Established in 2013, Kahkashan-Sharq University is one of the leading private universities in Herat. The province is gateway to the neighbouring countries of Iran and Turkmenistan.

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.