Swiss pledge longer term assistance for Afghanistan

Islamabad (Office of the United Nations Co-ordinator for Afghanistan), 19 June 2001-- The Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) has just signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Afghanistan for US$ 2.15 million (3.6 million Swiss francs) earmarked for the second phase of the UNDP Poverty Elimination and Community Empowerment (PEACE) Programme. This three-year funding commitment marks a significant shift from emergency relief to longer-term assistance. It is the first time the PEACE programme has received a multi-year commitment of this type.
Under the leadership of UNDP, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS), and Habitat (UNCHS) will continue to work towards the realisation of the aspirations of the people of Afghanistan for peace in a collective, self-reliant and sustainable manner, with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable.

PEACE II will build on the strengths of the first phase of the programme (1997-2000) and will aim at peace building through focus on improved local governance, civil society empowerment, and poverty alleviation. PEACE II is the largest multi-faceted area based development initiative in Afghanistan, and will operate in at least 23 rural districts and 6 urban centres in all regions of the country. This programme works in the areas of food security and sustainable livelihoods, basic social services, and re-integration of refugees and displaced persons.

Despite drought, displacement, conflict, and funding difficulties, agencies continue to work with Afghan communities, local shuras (community organisations), village development committees, and other interest groups.

In PEACE II, FAO will endeavour to strengthen crop and livestock productivity, food supply, and income generation, forging links between farmers and markets. UNOPS' Afghanistan Rural Rehabilitation Project will continue its work establishing community based organisations at the grassroots level. In the first phase of the programme, UNOPS was able to set up over 900 community based organisations at the village level.

Habitat will assist in the rebuilding of urban communities, while the Comprehensive Disabled Afghans' Programme (CDAP) will work for and with the disabled and other marginalised people to ensure their rights, access to services and full participation in all aspects of life.

The recent meetings of the Afghan Support Group in Islamabad recognised the need for a longer-term perspective on Afghanistan, focusing on sustainable development. It noted the need for longer-term planning of programmes that go beyond the narrow limit of only emergency relief.

For more information, please call Knut Ostby, UNDP Afghanistan, 2211451 ext. 400.