HERAT - Improving the delivery and oversight of local government services was discussed by civil society at a UNAMA-supported workshop in Herat, in western Afghanistan.

More than 50 people, including women’s rights activists, media and representatives of the Provincial Council joined with UNAMA Civil Affairs Unit staff at an event aimed at strengthening civil society engagement in governance and socio-economic development.

More than one third of Herat province, which shares borders with Iran and Turkmenistan, is characterized by mountainous or semi-mountainous terrain, creating challenges for the delivery of local services. Some of the workshop participants had travelled from remote and inaccessible southern and eastern areas of the province, namely Farsi, Shindand and Chesht districts.

Rafiq Shahir, of the Herat Professional Shura, said that the workshop underscored the importance of an active and systematic involvement by the local population in local government affairs. It was also desirable for civil society organizations to play a role in local governance and service delivery.

Shafiq Behroozian, Head of the Marifat Association, said the key challenges facing local government in the province include access to remote districts, lack of partnerships for development and the level of security.

“We are working to support the government institutions toward long-term peace, stability and development,” said Mr. Behroozian, who noted that government also had an important role to play in the life of the province.

Khadija Rahimi, head of the Creative Women Organization in Shindand district, said: “We have the courage to tackle the challenges, even in remote districts, but we call on the government to improve security in order to increase our reach to the people in need.”

UNAMA’s Civil Affairs Unit engages with Afghan authorities and the international community to support the implementation of prioritized national development and governance.

UNAMA works with civil society to facilitate their increased role in national development and with the government and international development partners to increase coherence between national and sub-national priorities. UNAMA’s support also contributes towards accountable economic governance and an enabling business environment.