United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan

UNITED NATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR AFGHANISTAN 19 19 significantly contribute to medium-term economic stabilization and job creation, including in sectors with substantial employment and growth potential. Concerted efforts will be needed to address financial sector constraints to facilitate access to financing and credit for individuals and enterprises, as well as expanding other business development services. Strengthening of the private sector will also be predicated on the availability of skilled personnel and improved development of human capital. Resilient rural livelihoods will be essential to sustaining a significant source of employment for many in Afghanistan, particularly women, but also in helping the country to recover from chronic food insecurity. Considerable and coordinated efforts will be needed to ensure catalytic, multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder, and employment-intensive community infrastructure investments to support rural livelihoods, value chains, and food systems to make them more resilient, sustainable, and profitable, particularly for small-scale farmers. Alternative livelihoods will also be needed for farmers to reduce their reliance on poppy cultivation for income. Adoption of disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation and adaptation practices, as well as environmental protection, with a focus on sustainable natural resource management and nature-based solutions will be needed to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of rural communities. Increased participatory governance and decision-making will be essential to building social cohesion and tackling the drivers of fragility and conflict. However, current dynamics suggest a continued consolidation and centralization of authority under the Taliban. Despite this, it will be imperative to explore opportunities to strengthen women's and marginalized groups' inclusion in multi-level governance and decision-making. Empowering of community-based institutions and civil society, employers' and workers' organizations, as well as activists and journalists with a focus on exploring women-led structures and institutions will be essential to increase inclusion, expand civic space, ― - protect freedom of expression and association, and promote transparency and accountability. Continued advocacy and support for inclusive community reconciliation and peacebuilding processes will help mitigate outbreaks of violent conflict and resolve existing disputes that can help facilitate delivery of durable peace dividends; foster equitable use of resources; reduce forced displacement; and enhance conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution. Fundamental to peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan is the protection and promotion of human rights and access to justice without discrimination. This requires clarity on the legal framework; sustaining gains made under previously adopted laws developed in line with international norms and standards; and formulating new ones for the effective, inclusive, and accountable governance of the country. The UN will contribute towards these objectives through the following priorities, outcomes, and outputs.

View entire presentation