UN welcomes Afghanistan’s “reinvigorated efforts” in fighting corruption

The UN on Wednesday welcomed what it said is a “reinvigorated efforts” in fighting corruption in Afghanistan.

In a post on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (NAMA)’s website, the mission said: “the UN stands firmly in supporting Afghanistan’s reinvigorated efforts to fight corruption.”

Mr Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative for Afghanistan, said the world body has been encouraged by the new efforts brought about in a short time by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the increased activity of the Anti-Corruption Justice Center in prosecuting and adjudicating complex administrative corruption cases.

Yamamoto said :”Afghanistan’s Fight against Corruption: From Strategies to Implementation,” UNAMA’s second anti-corruption report analyses the contributions made by civil society and independent institutions, along with all three branches of government, the executive”.

The organisation described Afghanistan’s new anti-corruption strategy as a strong tool, but noted that a short-term strategy will have limited impact on the lives of the Afghan people.

“It has become clear that all Afghan institutions, along with all segments of society, must now engage in fighting corruption to rebuild integrity, accountability and transparency in the country, with a long-term agenda,” Yamamoto said.

The report said that although many legal and policy reforms have been undertaken, corruption continues to be a substantial obstacle to the long-term peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.

The envoy noted that the organization was confident that the recommendations will be well received and will help Afghanistan in advancing its anti-corruption reform agenda.