KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expresses its support for the internationally-funded Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA) and its administration by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Print English

An article in the Wall Street Journal on 11 May 2012¹ implies weak and ineffective management.

As noted in its letter to the editor today², UNDP has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of mismanagement or corruption for its entire country program in Afghanistan, with strong institutional oversight and accountability mechanisms in place.

A recently conducted financil audit of LOTFA by KPMG found no financial irregularities, as did a comprehensive evaluation of a previous LOTFA phase that was also conducted by an external evaluation firm.

UNDP stated in its letter that it remains committed to working transparently, constructively and collaboratively with all partners and anti-corruption bodies to further enhance the oversight and quality of its ongoing programs in the country.

“I am confident that comprehensive steps to ensure transparency and oversight are being taken by UNDP to further its efforts to contribute to a robust and professional police force in Afghanistan,” said Michael Keating, Deputy Special-Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan and UN Resident Coordinator.

1. U.N. Fund Scrutinized for Afghan Corruption. Nathan Hodge. Wall Street Journal. 11 May 2012.

2. http://www.undp.org.af/