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New Police Law to Ensure Better Service

Countries
Afghanistan
Sources
UNDP
Publication date
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With support from UNDP, the ministry of interior held a two-day national conference to reform police law. Over 300 participants including senior government officials, lawmakers, police officials from all 34 provinces, legal practitioners, members of civil society and human rights activists attended the event. The conference took place after a series of consultations over the past year with police officers throughout the country.

Speaking to the conference, Minister of Interior, Gen Taj Mohammad Jahid, reiterated the need to reform police laws and regulations so the police can provide effective and efficient services to citizens. “Police laws are outdated and do not respond to the needs of police today, and they have to be reformed,” Gen Jahid said.

UNDP works closely with the Ministry of Interior to develop its institutions and professionalize the police force that can enforce laws and provide security for citizens. “UNDP is committed to helping the Ministry of Interior to reform its laws and procedures that reflect the needs of the citizens and meet international standards and human rights principles.” said UNDP’s Ministry of Interior and Police Development project manager, Stephen Moore. “It is the most important step in building sustainable institutions and it will respond to the wishes of the citizen.”

The participants worked in several groups to review the list of recommendations, which were gathered from previous consultations, and the existing police law, and came up with a final list of 23 recommendations and amendments that will go into the legislation. Once the Ministry of Justice reviews the law, they’ll send it to the parliament for their approval.

National media extensively covered the event. Below are links to some of the media coverage:

•Pajhwok: http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2017/05/14/changes-being-brought-police-act-jahid

•MoI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moiafghanistan/posts/887577164713515

•BBC persian: http://www.bbc.com/persian/afghanistan-39914012

•Azad Radio: https://da.azadiradio.com/a/28487222.html

•8am Daily: http://8am.af/1396/02/25/sima-samar-laws-focus-human-dignity/