KABUL - The United Nations in Afghanistan today donated the first series of more than 60 cars and vans to support Government efforts to strengthen rule of law, justice and wellbeing of workers.

In a donation ceremony held today at the UN Compound on Jalalabad Road, Ján Kubiš, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, handed over certificates of ownership and keys for the UNAMA vehicles to Minister of Justice, Mr. Habibullah Ghalib, and the Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled, Ms. Amena Safi Afzali.

“I am very happy to announce that as part of our forthcoming donation of around 60 vehicles, we are starting the first round with our crucial partners of the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Justice,” Mr. Kubiš said. He noted that the donation will bring the UN closer to its Afghan partners and show in a concrete way the close cooperation between UNAMA and the Ministries given their interlocking mandates.

The Ministry of Justice received four Toyota 4-Runner SR5 vehicles.

The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled received three Toyota Hiace minibuses and two Toyota 4-Runner SR5 vehicles.

“It is my expectation that this very small donation will serve both the administration of justice and work for the betterment of lives of all workers and disabled, and will allow these two Ministries to deliver even better service to the people of Afghanistan,” Mr. Kubiš said speaking on behalf of UNAMA and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

 Thanking Mr. Kubiš, Minister Ghalib said the donation is a moral boost for the Ministry.

“This shows that UNAMA is focusing on the Ministries, that they really think about us and that we matter for them,” the Minister said.

Minister Afzali said the donations will allow the Ministry to provide social services which could not have been provided without logistical support.