KANDAHAR - The top United Nations official in Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, visited the country’s southern province of Kandahar on Tuesday to meet first-hand with the province’s government officials and community leaders to learn about their concerns and discuss key issues, including peace, elections, security and support to conflict-displaced Afghans.

Mr Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), had several discussions with local officials to evaluate the UN’s systems in place to address the southern region’s challenges.

In addition to meeting with Provincial Governor Zalmai Weesa and representatives of the provincial council, Mr Yamamoto also met with youth leaders.

In each meeting, he listened to the Afghans’ concerns about the current situation in Kandahar and the broader southern region, and underlined the UN’s commitment to do everything in its power to assist the government and people of Afghanistan in achieving security, stability and prosperity.

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.