Berlin Workplan Update April /30 Responsible Ministry/Entity

Transcription

1 Commitments (Benchmarks) April /30 Responsible Status of Implementation Ministry/Entity CHAPTER I HOLDING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN AFGHANISTAN 1. Election process and diplomatic rights 1.01 Before the holding of the elections, ensuring the full exercise by - citizens, - candidates - political parties, of their political rights under the new Afghan constitution, including: - freedom of organization, - freedom of expression - the principle of non-discrimination, as well as paying particular attention to the participation of women as voters and candidates. The law for political parties has been approved and passed. Until now, from the 83 political parties that have applied for registration, 51 parties have been registered and received permission to perform their activities. For the other 32 political parties, registration has not yet been approved. Out of 300 social organizations, which have applied for registration, 250 are registered and received permission to perform their activities. Those remaining are being processed Registration and computation of the emigrants in Pakistan, which will have special importance in the parliamentary election of the country, are being processed Decree n.21, dated regarding the establishment of the JEMB and decree n.23 dated regarding JEMB s job description and duties, were passed The law for presidential election has been approved and passed. The Election law was approved in Nov 2004 and the result has been approved by JEMB (Joint Electoral Monitoring Body). The Independent Electoral Commission was created in Jan 19, 2005 in order to replace the Interim Commission within the JEMB. After the transitional period the IEC will assume its full jurisdiction and responsibilities, and the JEMB will disappear. Members of JEMB for the year 2005 were announced on March 3, Mr. Bismillah Bismil has been appointed as Chairman of JEMB to address activities of this commission during An international conference was formed which consisted of various donor nations and institutions on March 16, 2005, in which norms for the Parliamentary Elections of 2005 were elaborated on 1.01 Out of 10.5 million Afghans that registered for Afghanistan s Presidential Elections in 2004, 41% of them were women. Female turnout was 40 % for the Presidential elections in October 2004 (although there were strong regional variations (see map of gender breakdown by province); In the Presidential Election, one woman was a candidate for presidential post and M. of Justice Central Statistic Office President s Office / Public Administration Joint Electoral Management Body M. of Women s

2 April /30 two others were candidates for vice presidential posts. Separate voting centers for women were established all over Afghanistan. Most of the personnel in these centers were comprised of women. Currently, three women are members of the new cabinet (among 28), and there are three women in the newly established commission for elections (among nine). The Advisory Group on Gender established an Elections Task Force (ETF) in March 2004 to monitor the progress of women s voter registration and their participation in the Presidential election. The ETF began again in February 2005 focusing on women s participation in the Parliamentary elections, both as voters and as candidates. Awareness raising: In line with the celebration of International Women s Day this year, MoWA working with various NGOs and ministries to promote public awareness and understanding of the importance of women s participation in public life. The spot was shown in various television stations and is being aired in radio stations in Kabul and selected provinces. Dialogue with political parties: In line with the celebration of Women s Day, MoWA conducted a conference with members of registered political parties and prominent political figures. This conference highlighted the importance of women s participation in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, both as candidates and electorate. A resolution was also passed containing commitments and recommendations for improving women s roles in electoral politics. Working with political parties to have more female members and candidates as well as party platforms that address issues of concern to women. Working to improve security for women candidates there are reports of threats, harassment; Working to increase civic education which is targeted at both men and women and which encourage women s participation in the elections, particularly as informed voters; Working on strategies that will allow women (both candidates and potential voters) access to public spaces where political debates take place and political campaign and educational materials can be found); 1.02 Issuing instructions to civil servants and military personnel Regulations with respect to the political rights of civil servants was approved in May concerning of 2004 by the cabinet. The draft of this regulation is to be issued in June 2005 by their duty of political impartiality, UNAMA. the protection of political freedoms, sanctions against those who fail to fulfill their obligations 1.02 Presidential Decree n.42 dated in respect to abiding to the impartiality and non-interference of the civil and military servants in the matters of election was passed; appropriate punishment an judicial actions follow violations of this decree. Investigating and prosecuting crimes: This subject is also covered by the above mentioned Decree. Ministerial code of conduct passed by cabinet May Draft presidential decree on government employee respect for political rights prepared by UNAMA issued June Draft Civil service law prepared by Civil Service Commission. President / Public Administration, Cabinet President / Public Administration President / Public Administration,

3 April / Defined legal status of civil servants before the elections to ensure freedom of civil service and its transparency and recruitment of senior officials Ensuring: The press law was approved and passed. More than 300 publications, 38 radio - Freedom of the press and stations, 8 independent TV centers, 6 independent news agencies, 17 cable channels - Equitable access by candidates and political parties to are active in the country. government media Requesting the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and UNAMA: - To verify the full exercise of political rights throughout Afghanistan and - To prepare public reports on a regular basis with a view to determine that, ahead of the elections and, in particular, during the electoral campaign, conditions exist that are conducive to holding free and fair elections. Introductory discussions have been held between UNAMA and AIHRC Three joint public reports issued after the Presidential Election by UNAMA and AIHRC for the investigation and review of the electoral process that took place during the Presidential Election. The joint public report from UNAMA and AIHRC has been received by the presidential office and is ready for publication. Civil Service Commission M. of Justice Culture, Information and Tourism Ministry Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and UNAMA Comment [a1]: Security 2.01 By June 2004, achieving: - The demobilization of no less than 40% of the stated troop strength of the AMF, in a balanced way and on the basis of the decommissioning of military units, as well as - The concentration of all heavy weapons under credible supervision, - And thereafter, intensifying DDR ahead of 2004 A specific pre-election DDR framework was finalized through a Presidential Decree. Additional momentum was gained from the requirement that all parties to sever their links to military commanders in order to be registered for the elections. By the end of September 2004, 5,480 soldiers had entered the DDR program under the new plan. By Elections Day, October 11, over 21,659 personnel had been disarmed (36% of AMF), and 80% of serviceable heavy weapons had been disabled or cantoned M. of Defense 2.01 The DDR program has been accelerated. M. of Borders and Tribal 2.02 Requesting NATO and the coalition to deploy international military forces in support of the national police and the ANA, in numbers large enough to protect the integrity of the electoral process against terrorism, factionalism and lawlessness. President / Public Administration The electoral process was satisfactorily covered by international forces. PRTs in Gardez, Bamyan (NZ), Kunduz (Ge) with Antenna Faizabad, Mazar (UK) with Antenna Maymana, Parwan, Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Ghazni, Assadabad, Khost, Qalat, Tarin Kot, Farah, Lashar Gah, Sharana, Baghlan (NL). PRTs in northern nine provinces are under ISAF/NATO control, and have attracted numerous other contributing nations such as the Nordic Countries in Maymana. PRTs in the south are under CFC-A. In a conference in Istanbul, the government of Afghanistan requested an increase of NATO forces in Afghanistan. NATO accepted and has added 3,500 personnel to its forces in Afghanistan.

4 April /30 # Commitments (Benchmarks) Status of Implementation Responsible Ministry/Entity CHAPTER II INSTITUTION BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT 3. Good Governance and Public Administration Accelerate the reform of the ministries through the PRR (Priority Reform and Restructuring) process - in order to clarify and streamline the role and functions of ministries, at all levels of government; 25 departments are in the first phase of PRR 45 departments are in the 2nd phase of PRR (3,500 posts and distribution of salaries have been approved). For example, nine ministries, in addition to the Kabul Municipality Council, Da Afghanistan Bank and CSS, have gone through the process. IARCSC evaluated for experimental purposes the following four governmental entities: Treasury Department of Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communication, Ministry of Public Health, and Central Statistic Office. The main purpose of this evaluation was to establish a monitoring system that is to be implemented in all departments under the reform. A mechanism was provided to ensure that reforms are taking place in all Ministries and Departments. Technical assistance to accelerate PRR fully mobilized in late Now the first PRR proposals for all Ministries are being developed. PRR at provincial levels is also being accelerated. Bottlenecks in implementation are being addressed, and quality issues are also being resolved Since the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission started its activities, 11 ministries and numerous departments have gone through a reform process. More than 11,500 posts have undergone complete reforms. Also, about 40 departments, including ministries and directorates, are undergoing the initial process in the first phase of reform and reconstruction. In order to accelerate the administrative reform process in departments, and to increase the efficacy and productivity of execution of affairs, the Commission has taken the following addition measures: Work groups to implement reforms and the initial reconstruction process has begun. A timetable has been drawn up for ministries to present their reforms package to the commission. Programs such as the establishment of trusts funds have been undertaken to increase the capacities of ministries. Work to strengthen the cooperation within ministries has started. It has become the policy of the government to merge the ministries and departments which perform similar functions Technical assistance provided to accelerate the reforms process and equip departments in the ministries. Administrative reforms process has also started in newly established ministries and Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Independent Administrative Reform and

5 April /30 provinces, and capacity building of officials is also being carried out. Civil Service Commission 3.01 Drafted the terms of reference for the employment of foreign staff in governmental M. of Labour departments and non-governmental organizations. and Social Provided 8,309 legal advisors for the civil service and contracted staff to help solve the legal problems of ministries and departments, Implemented the Colombo plan and TEL training programs on the industrial matter, research and surveys Accelerated the process of reform through PRR in all ministries to ensure the M. of Justice mandates of the ministries are identified The administrative reforms process (PRR) has been completed in some directorates M. of of the Transport Ministry. After the formation of the new cabinet, the complete Transportation implementation of reforms in the ministry was evaluated The draft of the Social Service Rights was commenced to be arranged by CSC. Police, Attorney general offices 3.01 On 15/11/1383, Ministry of women s was covered by PRR program. A guideline for competitive recruitment was introduced to staff of the ministry by holding seminars and workshops. The commission has provided equal opportunities for women s recruitment The need for proper administrative policies has been identified and is being worked on by the heads of ministry. They are planned on being implemented next year. and Courts M. of Women s M. of Communication 3.01 An administrative reforms process was implemented in five departments. M. of Communication 3.01 The administrative reform process has been implemented by the General Directorate M. of Public of Policy and Plan, and by the Provincial Directorate of Health in 32 Provinces. Health 3.01 The programs of administrative reforms have been enforced in the Ministry of Public M. of Public Works according to Presidential decree n.33 dated on Until now, 141 civil Works servants and 235 professional workers have come under the administrative reform program Implementation of new laws is underway for higher education, which is indicative of the new administrative and financial responsibilities. Administration capacity building in the level of higher education institutes has also taken place The administrative reform process documents are being prepared for the legal proceedings and will be sent to the independent Administrative Reform Commission so that the hiring and assignment of ministry staff can take place The structures of water resource administrations, irrigation and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) have been targeted for administrative reforms by an independent administrative reform commission. In order to accomplish the administrative reform and to prevent organization superfluity, 596 individuals have been confirmed employment in 1383, 277 have been M. of Higher Education M. of Mines and Industries M. of Water and Energy Comment [a2]: 5.03

6 April /30 dismissed. After the merger of Ministry of Water and Power and Ministry of Irrigation, Environment and Water Resources, the drafted structure of the new ministry has maintained 2,639 workers and the administrative process for approval is in progress An Administrative reform process has begun and is on going. Qualified personnel have been recruited and a sound work environment has been maintained Held seminars to promote participation of the government agencies. Introduced 9,432 higher educated and professional personnel to the ministries and governmental departments to supervise most government projects. Granted 439 overseas scholarships and fellowships to the ministries and government departments For the improvement of ministries affairs and administrative reforms, the Ministry of Borders and Tribal, with the cooperation of the Independent Administrative Reform Commission, is running the administrative reform process in the aforementioned ministry. On the other side, administrative seminars have been held and 30 PCs have been provided for the facilitation of office work and for the improvement of skills of the staff, including males and females, in accounting and general service sections. The construction of the two-story department of border affairs in Kandahar, the administrative and residential buildings of the border affairs department in Nangarhar, reconstruction of border affairs department of Khost, reconstruction of border affairs department of Paktia Province and construction of its annex have been completed. M. of Economy M. of Economy M. of Borders and Tribal 3.02 Adopt and implement a policy for retraining or other provision for those individuals no longer needed in their current positions To reinforce an efficient governmental administrative system and to reinforce national unity, the Ministry of Border and Tribal has made the following achievements: Convened 498 assemblies to reinforce government policies and solve the problems of the country s tribes. Invited 30,000 elders and influential figures to participate in the celebration of national holidays. A training program of police and teachers is in progress No policy for retraining, but T&D Department of the IARCSC (with UNDP support) is currently working on overall Training policy and framework (will be finalized by May/June 2005) Training of 23 staff in Iran, dispatching of 27 individuals for space control training in India has taken place. 3 years capacity building plan has started Set up a computer-training center, for computer training courses and basic management training courses. The computer-training center has 30 computer sets. 1,441 men and 674 women receive training in this center and 190 males and 74 females Police, Attorney general offices and Courts Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Former M. of Tourism M. of Labor and Social

7 April /30 also receive work training courses, provided by the Ministry 3.02 The administrative reform program pertaining to the water sector has been implemented and 101 individuals have been targeted for these reforms. However, only 64 staff members and 13 hired persons have been recruited for PRR, 12 of which are female The programs of administrative reforms pertaining to specific administrative methods have taken place in the Ministry of Public Works and 141 civil servants and 235 workers based on decree n.33 dated In order to promote the capacity of training courses, 140 engineers and surveyors are being trained in technical, linguistic and computer classes In regards to building capacity, scholarships, fellowships, and short term training courses outside the country were provided to 550 boys and 250 girls. Also, 750 boys and 150 girls have graduated from the Institute of Health Education (nursing courses) Pass the Civil Service Law before the elections in order to guarantee: - the independence of the civil service and - the transparency of its work and senior level appointments; Establish an impartial, transparent and inclusive recruitment process for all positions, on the basis of skills and experience. - Where individuals have not had the opportunity to acquire formal qualifications, alternative approaches to the measurement of potential such as leadership and management skills will be developed. CS Law is one of the priority laws before the M. of Justice. Has been cleared by MAC and has involved extensive consultations within government during its preparation stages. The law can be passed before parliamentary elections. Working to increase gender awareness of Civil Service Law, to have recognized the unequal access for females to education, training, information, etc. and to have taken into account this unequal access of opportunity. Working to improve the recruitment process, which emphasizes standardization and merit. However, different benchmarks need to be created for women and men because of the fact that women overall will lag behind men in their qualifications. Appointments Board in place. The CVs of the staff, which should provide necessary information about the high ranked staff of Afghanistan to the offices and boards, were not existent in the Ministries and Directorates. Every CV received by the commission from ministries with their recommendations, had different forms and types. It was thus difficult to evaluate the recommended staffs based on these CVs. For that reason a complete CV form was designed and sent as a model to the Ministries. On the basis of this new form of CV, information about 6,821 high ranked civil servants have been collected and retained in the database section. Additionally, the mentioned forms have also been designed for a new competitive process, which is currently being implemented. The new regulated design for the recruitment conditions of civil servants has been completed and finalized An impartial recruitment process is now firmly in place, overseen by the Independent Appointments Board, and appointments at Grade 11 and above are based on these. Most PRR positions already go through the competitive process whether through the Independent Appointments Board (IAB) or internally under IAB supervision within the Ministry. These procedures need to be underpinned by the CS law M. of Water and Energy M. of Public Works M. of Economy M. of Health M. of Justice M. of Women Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission

8 3.05 Implement management training programs to ensure that those men and women who have been excluded from educational opportunities because of war have access to administrative positions April /30 Eight IT centers were established in more than six provinces, for previously trained staff 3.05 The strengthening of capacity has taken place for the Ministry of Justice, Attorney General s office and high court. Short, middle and long term courses in the capital and provinces have been offered for 1,000 judges and MoJ employees Training project for teaching French, training of teachers and instructors in English, and mobilization of administrative offices have taken place. Increased number of teachers, out of which 13% of them are females The Ministry of Agriculture has held training courses in different fields such as in English and Computers. They also sent most of its staff to workshops in foreign countries to increase their work capacity Develop and implement policies in partnership with donors with a view to ensuring harmonization of recruitment and pay policies between the two bureaucracies the Afghan Civil Service, and the NGO and UN agency system through lateral entry and other programs; 3.07 Adopt and implement a Code of Conduct which: - provides for sanctions to be taken against demonstrated corruption, - encourages the press to conduct investigative reporting and - provides for mechanisms for review of contractual agreements. Civil service laws were drafted and prepared by the commission and sent to the Ministry of Justice for approval. Training Program for at least 550 senior civil servants will be implemented by IARCSC (with UNDP support) in May 2005 (pending donor funding); Short-term training strategy for managerial and operational level targeting between civil servants is currently being developed by IARCSC. Will need donor funding and is likely to be implemented in late summer 2005; sub national training strategy in development. With ARTF/donor support, the key mechanisms now in place are the Lateral Entry Program (LEP), Afghan Expatriates Program (AEP) and PRR and PRR super-scale. All these will accelerate over the next couple of months. LEP aims to inject 1500 key staff into the civil service over a 2-3 year period. Civil Recruits Regulation for the Ministry was ratified and is now ready for implementation. This regulation is part of the civil services law that will be implemented in the future A code of conduct for ministers is already approved and now needs to be enforced. A code of conduct for civil servants is a part of the civil service law and will be in place with the approval of the civil service law which is before the M. of Justice. Civil service practices are also covered by other priority laws such as the budget and procurement laws Implement the Presidential decree on separation of civilian and military functions; 3.09 Undertake a functional review of state institutions For the purpose of accelerating daily affairs, providing better services, creating transparency in executing governmental affairs, and reducing administrative complexity, Independent Civil Service Commission committed itself to strengthen administrative policies, laws and regulations, and human resource for civil service workers. In addition, governmental systems have been organized, latest information technology installed, and M. of Communication Afghanistan Development Society M. of Education M. of Agriculture Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission All Ministries M. of Justice Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission,

9 April /30 capacity building at civil service has started. Within this short period of time, the Commission s Educational Training Center has become fully functional and thus far a large number of administrative civil servants have received training in the realm of computers science. In the long run, CSC plans to establish the Institute for Public Administration for educating civil servants in diverse fields. Ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Transport are currently undergoing the functional review right now with the support of ADB with WB/DFID CSC secretariat has become the lead coordinator, organizer, and collector for CSC s entire affairs and activities and it also distributes it to appropriate parties and institutions. For the purpose of creating a framework for reporting and inquiring information, CSC has put forth specific mechanisms to provide accurate and systematic reporting about reforms and its activities to the Office of the President, Consultative members of the cabinet, World Bank, and donors. Also, translation of the Consultative members of the Cabinet s decrees n.1-20 in English has been completed and mailed. 4. Fiscal Management 4.01 Improve Afghanistan s domestic revenue collection significantly through: - the implementation of tax and customs laws and - a regular flow of customs and tax venues to the central government 4.02 Make every effort to improve the allotments and disbursements of budget expenditures to all levels of government, including the payment of civil servants directly, in full and on time, according to a transparent system; Domestic revenue for the first nine months of 2004/5 is estimated at AF 8.9 billion, exceeding the SMP indicative target of AF 8.6 billion. Following a subdued start to the quarter, receipts rebounded sharply during the last month, largely due to an increase in customs revenue. Establishment of a large office for collecting taxes, lease/rent from large landowners. Discussion will also take place concerning income tax. Refer to paper on fiscal management in the conference pack. M. of Finance M. of Agriculture, Commerce, Transport Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission, M. of Finance M. of Finance M. of Finance 4.03 Establish a single Treasury account as soon as possible. Establishment of a single treasury account is completed. M. of Finance 5. Private Sector 5.01 Strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for regulation of the private sector through: - the simplification of existing regulations and - implementation of appropriate laws; 5.02 Develop and implement a plan for the reorganization of state enterprises, including a privatization strategy where applicable; Investment law under draft consideration. Securing the technical and financial assistance of organizations like GTZ, USAID, to ensure capacity building and commercial law reform, particularly in the investment and commercial areas. M. of Justice M. of Commerce The policy definition is on-going. M. of commerce 5.03 Establish mechanisms: Law for the rents of residential houses is in the process of approval. Independent M. of Justice

10 - to ensure the sound management and reform of property and land tenure laws and - to provide adequate binding arbitration mechanisms for the private sector; 5.04 Develop and implement a plan for the creation of livable cities as engines for the development of the service sector. 6. Social and economical development April /30 Judiciary Reform Commission has transferred the mentioned law to Ministry of Justice. Construction of 600 standard toilets and potable water wells has taken place and establishment of training courses and propagation of healthcare to the public has taken place. Reconstruction of Wazir Akbar Khan Park completed. Rehabilitated 600 residential apartments and distribution of winter aids to the 43,000 families, 656 toilets in the third and seventh districts Urban roads have been repaired. Darulman Road patching- Dehdana Renovation has taken place for destroyed homes. 25 employment projects carried out. Water supply services in second and sixth districts completed Sanitation and rubbish clearance ongoing and taken out of the city Reconstruction of Share-i-now Park completed. Provision of a Town Ace vehicle to fourth district and five Kamaz to planning and design department Three bulldozers and three graders, six Isuzu cars, and 105 vehicles have been provided. Over 1,150 houses have been rebuilt in six districts of Kabul, (5th, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th districts) M. of Urban Development & housing M. of Economics (former M. of Planning) 6.01 Prepare a PRSP (including the other points in this subheading) The PRSP will be included in the new process for setting up a National Development Strategy An approach to asset-creation for the poor, paying particular Asked the United Nations and NGOs to provide reports on the implementation of attention to the rural population who are the majority of the projects undertaken by them. Afghan population and are dependent on agriculture for their Registered 232 national NGOs and 333 international NGOs. livelihoods 6.02 established technical vocational centers for the young and adolescents who have been deprived of education, and created small-scale occupations for women, established an employment service center to enable the clients search for new employment opportunities, provided precise statistics on the unemployed population, provided training and employment opportunities for the skilled work force such as business, maintenance, transport, wiring and other areas that are needed in the country. Drafted the new labor law that is about to be completed, M. of Finance M. of Economy M. of Labor and Social

11 April /30 Evaluated the labor market and the needed technical trainings. Ensured employment for graduates and capable persons: 19,428 male and 7,443 female as well as contracted workers 32,275 male and 3,372 female workers National Solidarity Program (NSP): Some 3,772 people have been assigned to the community development councils. 601 sub-projects have been approved. Some 332 km of road have been reconstructed in 54 districts of 26 provinces and 827 km is under construction. Some 217 bridge construction projects have been completed in 62 districts of 26 provinces. 1,667 bridges are under construction. Nine irrigation projects have been completed. Out of 37 schools, 29 have been constructed and the other eight are under construction. Three clinics, shelter for 105 destitute families living around Bamyan Statue have been constructed. Some 200 wells have been dug. And 176 km roads costing 660,000 dollars have been snowplowed. Some 1.7 million days of paid work was created for 80,000 Afghans, and 390,000 people have indirectly benefited as well Some 80,000 families have been provided with savings accounts and 89,000 families have been granted small loans ranging from 50 to 1,000 dollars that altogether amount to 138 million dollars. Ninety eight per cent of them have paid back their debts, showing the success of the program. According to the World Bank, it is the most successful program of its kind in the world. 21 per cent of 346 projects including Spinzar and Roghan Golab projects have been approved and funded. 100,000 dollars of investment has been attracted. Financial resources have been channeled through the Provincial Reconstruction Teams by the US government. The digging of 1,596 wells has been completed. Constructed 1,857 water cisterns Constructed 17 water supply systems Constructed 2,583 toilets in schools and 1,082 in houses Provided health education for 45,462 people. Three million people benefit from the 17,936 new water cisterns. Four million people now use 7,974 toilets. Priority projects have been devised and are being implemented in 10 provinces. More than 270,000 Jaribs of land have come under irrigation. 845 meters of protection walls have been reconstructed. Two irrigation systems as long as 15 km have been reconstructed. 607 semi-deep wells have been dug. 13 schools have been constructed, benefiting 150,000 people directly and 300,000 people indirectly. Distribution of 70,000 tons of food to 3.5 million drought-stricken people. Training more than 500 government and non-government staff. The program covers 41 administrative units and 788 government official positions. 673 positions have been announced. To date, 591 people have been employed including 547 from the ministry s employees and 44 people from outside the ministry. Priority has been given to the employment of women. In NSP 3,772 representatives have been elected for its development forum. 601 small projects have been approved. M. of Rural Development

12 April / Promoted the economic capacity of women by attracting the assistance of the donor countries and non-governmental organizations and channeling the assistance to women in need. Helping the businesswomen to increase their production and market their products and supporting women s economic activities. Ministry of Women s has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Labor Organization to establish an employment service centre for women that can take in applications from women and connect them to would-be employers(nov. 2004);. Granted loans and trade permissions to 10 tradeswomen. Issuing trade licenses which formerly required the endorsement of 58 signatures, now requires only the endorsement of 7 signatures and a savings account in the bank. Working to focus on women s economic empowerment that does not only include activities such as tailoring programs for women, which tend to keep them marginalized economically. Creation of Women s Commerce Union in Afghanistan in order to develop women capacities in trade and investment, in addition to promoting women s handicrafts. Construction of 8 provincial Women s Development Centers and operation of 5 others that provide training, productive activities, and awareness of women and their communities (USAID, JICA, UNIFEM, IOM, Relief International are various partners providing technical or financial support to MOWA); M. of Women s During the implementation of the program, the economic promotion department of the Ministry of Women s offered the following programs to promote economic activities: Running technical and professional projects in provinces of Kandahar, Bamiyan, Mazar-e Sharif with the cooperation of JICA. More than 10,000 people will directly benefit the program and around 100,000 indirectly. Cooperating with the Italian government to run a project to train women how to repair mobile phones, how to make solar lights, and engraving that will enable 45 widowed women to work. Introducing 30 widowed and needy women to Ariana institute to be granted cash loans The National Women s Program is a working group of the AGG and is facilitated by CIDA. The goals of the program are: to ensure nationwide increase in the quality and quantity concerning the provision of services and the inclusion of women in decisions regarding health, education, justice, and employment (the 4 priority areas of MoWA). to ensure that an equitable portion of the National Development Budget is committed to the development needs of women and girls Set up a commission for the prevention of abuse of children who are forced to beg on the streets. 67 women, 24 men and 17 children have, so far, received social work. Introduced 1,345 widows, who work for governmental institutions, in order to receive M. of Women s M. of Labour and Social

13 April /30 assistance from aid organizations. Introduced 200 disabled persons to find work in the governmental institutions In order to bring down the death toll among mothers and children less than five years, urgent measures have been taken on national level such as establishment of health, clinics, and vaccination campaigns has started. Establishment of emergency maternity centers in provinces, implementation of tuberculosis program and infectious diseases, food distribution for those buffering from malnourishment, and measures to prevent the outbreak of diseases, in winter has started. The Ministry of Public Health has approved 12 strategies, five of them have been given priority, with regard to reconstruction of health centers. The 107-health centers are under construction in the provinces of the country The development and implementation of an affordable social policy that attends to the needs of vulnerable groups affected by war including: - refugees, - IDPs, - the disabled, - orphans and - single-headed households; Inauguration of a social center in Karte III, Kabul by the Minister of Martyrs and Disabled Persons LIFE organization has donated 432 wheelchair bicycles to the provincial departments of the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled. The wheelchair bicycles have been distributed to the handicapped. 137 orphans have been introduced to the UAE Red Crescent in order to receive assistance. UAE Red Crescent has donated 20 sewing machines to Afghan widows and they have been distributed. 15 unit lands have been distributed to Martyrs heirs by the Helmand municipality. The Department of Martyrs and Disabled persons of the Gareshkeg district of Helmand province have distributed 15 residential unit lands to the heirs of martyrs and disabled persons. PPT has donated 15 chairs and desks, 5 metal shelves and one computer to the martyrs and disabled department of the Balkh province. 550 unit residential lands have been distributed to the heirs of martyrs and disabled in the Khaja Gurgaradak region of the Shebirghan province The Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled has received 550 residential lands units from Kabul Municipality. The ministry has distributed the unit lands to the heirs of martyrs and disabled in Chehdughtaran district of Chahar Aseya in Kabul province. 160 unit residential lands have been distributed to the heirs of martyrs and disabled in the Aqcha and Andkhuye of Jozjan province. It is worth mentioning that 261,788 martyrs and 79,441 disabled have been registered in the capital and in provinces so far and their salary distributions have continued Reunited the children who suffered in the war back to their parents, Formed a commission to fight trafficking of children, devising a national plan to fight the trafficking of children, Drafted the regulations governing the kindergartens and nursing schools Established 35 nurseries in 26 provinces that holds 1,384 girls and 6,977 boys. Rehabilitation of 234 kindergartens at workplace and 74 kindergartens in residential M. of Public Health M. of Martyrs and Disabled M. of Labor and Social

14 April /30 areas Under National Solidarity Program, small loans program, creating emergency job program, human aids projects, monitoring and analyzing programs for vulnerable people and the program for remobilization and detribalization inside the country Under National Solidarity Program for vulnerable and effected people and other public security programs. National Solidarity Program: 3,500 Afghan have been trained and 23 national and international NGOs and international organizations have been hired in this program. National program for emergency labor job has created five million work days. the contract has been signed with companies, private sectors, NGOs and Un consortium companies. Building of 3,000 houses, 100 schools1500 meters of bridges, 15 clinics, 100 irrigating projects, and 250 dirking water projects National programs for minor loans: Creating Simi independent base and 15 Un- Consortiums National an international giving 40 million loans, for 40 thousand deserving families National program for regional development: There are 1,500 projects which have been identified as of utmost importance. From which 345 have been completed including: 4,100 housings, 48 governmental buildings, 33 schools, 100 km road, 8 clinics, 140 meters bridges, and walls for 30 thousand hectares lands and hundreds drinking water projects. Sanitation and water distributing National program: The final activities up to the end of 1383; 240 projects in 34 provinces, including 3400 wells,1712 water nets for schools 0 aqueducts for 1.5 million for rural poor residents with the cost of 10 Million dollars. M. of Rural Rehabilitation and Development In early may 2002, 3,372 returnees were trained and employed in different areas. M. of Economics (former M. of Planning) 6.03 Established councils of the representatives of the nomads in 29 provinces. Established nomads general elected councils as part of the Ministry of Border including 45 representatives of tribes and nomads from around the country. Cooperated with the relevant departments in conducting a census of 225,000 nomads, except for the nomads of Ghowr Province The Commission is informing different groups of people (including teachers, housekeepers, government employees, rural and urban men and women, Mullahs, local influential people, youth, minority groups, the disabled and different organizations including the government, institutions, non-governmental organizations, local councils, academic and scientific institutions, organizations for women, cultural and civil institutions) on the following issues: Children s rights. Raising public awareness Holding workshops and forums, launching informative radio and television programs, round-tables, launching campaigns to promote women s rights and human rights (parliamentary election and women s participation), supervising activities of women M. of Border and Tribal Human Rights Commission

15 April /30 organizations, cooperating with the government in implementing the CEDAW and other international conventions signed by Afghanistan Ensuring that: Reconstructed 6,039 girls and boys primary and secondary schools in 1381 M. of Education - all girls and boys complete compulsory education (9 years) and - have opportunities to continue at higher levels, - with special attention paid to the inclusion of girls who have been prevented from access to education; Reconstructed 7,137 girls and boys primary and secondary schools in 1382 Reconstructed 69 literary schools, vocational schools, accommodating 9,958 students in vocational schools, establishing a central library, 10 teacher training centers in the capital and provinces, 16 teacher training centers, attracting 1,463 students. Opened 47,737 literacy courses for 1,168,303 illiterate people using 10,263 official and volunteer teachers. Established health centers, opened health centers in Kabul City schools, and the central polyclinic in the health department. Started the construction of teacher settlements that have 108 apartments. Reconstructed printing machines including binding, sewing, zincography, letter printing, offset and folding machines. Established teachers cooperatives and opened six special shops for teachers in Kabul City Increasing the rate of school attendance in 1382, from 29 per cent to 36 percent and in 1383 from 40 per cent to 42 per cent. Providing the statistics on the number of the students attending primary and secondary schools. Male students in 1381: 2,272,208 Male Students in 1382: 2,772,144 Male Students in 1383: 3,105,500 Female Students in 1381: 921,052 Female Students in 1382: 1,413,873 Female Students in 1383: 1,894,500 80,814 male and female students were employed in ,723 male and female students were employed in Working towards eliminating gender discrimination Celebrating the Education Day at the start of the past three years The following extracurricular activities have been achieved: Held workshops, seminars and professional training courses for 140,366 heads of education departments, teachers and personnel of the capital and provinces Dispatched 454 teachers, personnel and students for training courses in Pakistan, Iran, the United States, Malaysia, Korea, France, India, Thailand, Nepal, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait, Romania, Australia and Japan. Approved the education certificates issued by national and international organizations and checking the education certificate of 6,867 overseas graduates. Activated the laboratories of Kabul City Schools. Evaluated the education of 2,646 graduates from overseas religious schools. Inspected and auditing the education departments in the capital and provinces According to the reports available at the Ministry of Tribal and Border on the M. of Border

16 April /30 accomplished works, the Khoshhal Khan high school has been reconstructed. The room capacity of the high school has been raised to accommodate 1,400 students from border areas. Three dormitory blocks have also been constructed. Each block has 92 rooms. Two 26-room classroom blocks have been constructed. The Ministry of Finance has paid thirty percent of the project funds and other donors have paid the rest. Fifty percent of the construction work of the eight-storey building of the ministry that has 290 rooms has been completed. The guesthouse located in Taymani with 16 rooms has been constructed Provided 40,000 uniforms for girls in 830 schools Ministry of Education has sent a letter to the Ministry of Women s to tell them pregnant women are allowed to attend school. The letter says there is no set policy to prevent pregnant women from attending school. Gathered information and other activities: The Ministry of Women s is constantly trying to gather precise statistics on the participation of women in different areas such as education. And the NGOs are trying to gather further information on the attendance of women in higher education, literacy courses and primary literacy courses. Revised the protocol signed between the Ministry of Women s and the literacy department of the Ministry of Education. Talked to those in charge of secondary education on the problems of the female students in high schools. Distributed literacy books to the provinces 6.05 [The medium-term strategy for poverty reduction will include] the need to put in place sound environmental management practices as key for sustainable development; Over the last three years: Human Resources Development: Improved effectiveness through training and technical support. Environmental Impact Assessment: Contribution towards understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process through training and technical support in the development of EIA policies, guidelines, procedures, legislation and coordination mechanisms. Environmental Legislation, Regulation and Standards: Contribution towards the institutionalization of environmental laws through training and technical support in the development of an integrated environmental legal and regulatory framework. Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Regional Cooperation: Assistance in implementation of multilateral and regional environmental agreements through training and technical support in legal harmonization and reporting. Natural Resource Management and Poverty Reduction: Funding of a major natural resource management and poverty reduction project with two inter-linked components: the Protected Areas (PA) component with the goal to conserve the globally significant biodiversity; and the component related to poverty alleviation in the buffer zone of the PA. The purpose of this technical assistance is to address the basic needs of communities in the buffer zone s of protected areas by providing incentives which would help to reduce poverty as well as promote the conservation of global biodiversity in and Tribal M. of Women s All Ministries

17 April /30 selected PAs. Water Quality: Provision of state-of the art water quality laboratory to enable water quality analysis and contribute to safeguarding public health. Support of overseas training of select staff in water quality analysis and microbiological control. Kabul Air Pollution: Funding to support air quality management and control in Kabul. Processes of the project to serve as model for propagation of similar program in other urban cities in the country. Envisaged measures include reforestation of select areas in Kabul, and establishment of baseline air quality sampling and emissions source inventory program. Labor-intensive conservation work: Provision of work opportunities to address the income generation needs of the poorest while renewing the country s natural resource base, severely degraded by years of conflict and neglect. Activities include: reforestation, soil erosion control, watershed improvement, nursery rehabilitation, public greening and beautification, public park rehabilitation, small-scale irrigation rehabilitation Increasing human resources and improving the efficiency of the staff by training and offering technical assistance to them Evaluating environmental factors: participation, understanding the environmental factors through training and offering technical assistance in order to develop a mechanism to evaluate environmental factors, setting guidelines, regulations, laws and coordinated mechanisms. Formulating laws, regulations and environmental criteria and promoting participation to institutionalize environmental laws and regulations through training and technical assistance in a legal framework Multi-party local contracts and regional cooperation in implementing the local multiparty contracts through training and offering technical assistance in a legal coordinated manner, providing a report. Management of natural resources and elimination of poverty, funding the management of main natural resources and poverty elimination projects A comprehensive monitoring and reporting framework developed in partnership between the government and the international community. In compliance with the guidelines and orders of the relevant units, a regular reporting system exists and the authorities constantly inspecting the ministry s affairs. Reports are prepared, analyzed and evaluated on all parts of the ministry According to the policies set forth by the Coordination Committee, a Project Implementation Support Unit has been established in the ministry. The unit undertakes the preparation of project documents, procurement, supervision of the projects, and reporting to donors and high-ranking government officials. A consultative company has been hired for two years to assess affairs with the cooperation of Afghan experts. They train the Afghan experts over for two years and at the completion of the service, the Afghan expert will undertake the duties Participation by the government and donor community is monitored in the ministerial level; projects funded by donors are monitored on regular basis. A transparent and organized system of reporting is conducted. Survey and project implementation of 17 airports in the provinces by SMEC and M. of Public Works M. of Mines and Industries M. of Water and Power M. of Transportation