UN committed to long-term support in ‘potentially very rewarding period’ ahead

16 Nov 2014

UN committed to long-term support in ‘potentially very rewarding period’ ahead

KABUL - The United Nations in Afghanistan is committed to providing long-term support to the country through and beyond this period of critical transition, said the UN’s top official in Kabul.

In addition to conducting a broad range of services in the country, the world body will use its offices to ensure that international assistance remains at necessary levels.

“We should acknowledge the significant amount of international support Afghanistan enjoys and, quite frankly, needs,” said Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). “A part of the UN’s function here will be to ensure that that level of support continues through the next five to 10 years.”

Mr. Haysom, who is also the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said that, while he recognized the many serious challenges facing the country, this time of transitions is a “potentially very rewarding period in Afghan history.”

The special envoy underlined the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s government institutions, political processes, electoral reform initiatives and peace efforts, and highlighted the UN’s ongoing work with Afghan authorities and institutions in protecting and promoting human rights.

Mr. Haysom, who succeeds Ján Kubiš as head of UNAMA, said he is honoured to take up his new role. “It’s a privilege to be here,” he said. “The United Nations has the potential to have a real impact, now and well into the future.”