ANTALYA - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday underscored the crucial requirement for the international community to continue its strong support to the Government during the country’s transformation.

Speaking on behalf of UNAMA at a NATO Foreign Ministers in Antalya, Turkey, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, said, “Strong international commitment and support remain crucial to facilitate a successful Afghan transformation.”

“To their great credit, the two leaders of the National Unity Government have clearly stated their will to implement an ambitious reform agenda that brings into reality Afghanistan’s tremendous potential,” said Mr. Yamamoto, “As an international community, it is our collective obligation to support them fully in this effort.”

NATO Foreign Ministers met at the two-day conference to discuss the fluid global security environment. Among issues addressed was the strengthening of the Alliance’s partnership with Afghanistan beyond the end of its current Resolute Support mission.

Mr.  Yamamoto welcomed the Afghan authorities goal of asserting primary responsibility for all facets of governance and pledged the UN’s full support to this Afghan lead and ownership, while also commending NATO’s readiness to continue to play its part towards this same goal.

Through its good offices mandate, UNAMA strives to facilitate solutions, whether to maintain National Unity Government cohesion, to promote peace and reconciliation, to enhance regional cooperation, or to support electoral reform and the next round of elections.

Additionally, the UN in Afghanistan focuses on supporting the government’s economic reform agenda. The UN coordinates donor efforts to promote sustainable development and Afghanistan’s ability to increase its state revenues, both of which are crucial to allow the government to perform key functions and deliver services.

The protection of civilians in the armed conflict remains another core UNAMA priority as part of its human rights mandate.  In the first quarter of 2015, UNAMA documented a record high number of civilian casualties.  Mr. Yamamoto welcomed Afghanistan’s strong commitment to prevent civilian casualties and NATO’s vital support in that regard, in particular for counter-IED efforts and civilian casualty mitigation.

Combating pervasive violence and discrimination against Afghan women and girls and enabling women’s full participation in the public sphere are also critical, as is the need to end torture and ill-treatment in Government detention facilities. Mr. Yamamoto welcomed the Government’s commitment to implement a new national plan to eliminate torture and ill-treatment, including of conflict-related detainees, and called on NATO to support these efforts.