ReliefWeb

PARWAN - To eliminate corruption from Afghanistan, young Afghans must play an active role, students from Parwan University said in a UN-backed radio programme that aired in the central province this week.

The radio programme, supported by the central regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was designed to encourage transparency initiatives and help better define the responsibilities of youth in fighting corruption.

The programme included Parwan’s judiciary officials, who outlined corruption provisions in the penal code, and was broadcast to an audience estimated at 200,000 people in and around Charikar, the provincial capital.

According to independent research, Afghanistan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, affecting every segment of Afghan society, including business practices, government services, rule of law and justice. A UNAMA report, released earlier this year, found that Afghan authorities have made progress in the fight against corruption, but indicated that challenges remain.

“For the sake of the country’s future, corruption in Afghanistan must be addressed and eliminated,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, in launching the report called ‘Afghanistan’s Fight Against Corruption: The Other Battlefield.’

“The United Nations welcomes the progress already made, and fully supports the government’s ongoing efforts to fight corruption in the interest of ending impunity, ensuring accountability and transparency, and restoring integrity to the management of public services, finances and natural resources,” the UN envoy said.

UNAMA has been supporting radio and television production across Afghanistan, through a combination of technical assistance and outreach events, to engage communities and raise awareness about different issues, including corruption, that impact the lives of Afghans.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.