Source: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
KABUL, 10 MAY 2011: As the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme (APRP) implementation conference opens today in Kabul the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reaffirms its support for this Afghan-led initiative within the context of a broader national reconciliation process.
APRP has an important role in supporting combatants to rejoin their communities across Afghanistan and in addressing local grievances. To achieve substantial results, the process must be community-driven, inclusive and equitable.
The United Nations experience in conflict countries has shown the need for engagement in efforts to resolve conflict at many levels.
“Given the many challenges and ongoing conflict we should be realistic about what APRP can achieve over the short term. It is one important element of a much broader reconciliation process,” UNAMA’s representative said at the conference.
Through providing social and economic opportunities to reintegrees and their communities, the APRP could promote community recovery, job creation and help to bring stability to conflictaffected communities.
To realise its potential, the APRP requires combined efforts by the Afghan authorities and the international community to ensure that all efforts are aligned, there are effective vetting procedures and that available resources are not wasted.
Anti-government elements should meanwhile desist from any threats or attacks against those who have chosen to renounce violence and rejoin their communities.
