Archived Document
Appendix
Vision:
A more secure Kandahar that is better governed and can deliver basic services to its citizens, supported by a more capable national government that can better provide for its security, manage its borders and sustain stability and reconstruction gains over the longer term.
Priorities:
- Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
- Basic Services
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Border Security and Dialogue
- Democratic Development and National Institutions
- Political Reconciliation
To support this vision and the priorities laid out in this report, the Government of Canada has identified a number of benchmarks and progress indicators that will help to:
- gauge levels of progress being achieved, or not, as the case may be;
- identify if and when adjustments to its approach are required, given the complex environment; and
- report results frankly to Canadians.
Benchmarking in Afghanistan is a difficult task with reporting dependent on gathering information while operating in a conflict zone.
- Benchmarks are reference points that help assess progress in specific priority areas. The benchmarks are in some cases quantitative, providing numerical targets, and in other cases qualitative, for instance gauging public perception or assessing the implementation of policies and programs.
- Progress indicators provide more specific information on how work is proceeding against those reference points.The challenge with progress indicators is in the ability to regularly report against them on a quarterly basis.
- Baselines refer to the current status ofdevelopments associated withtheprogress indicators, are a fixed point, and will not change over time.
- Targets are the level of progress that we hope to achieve by 2011.
Training and Mentoring Afghan National Security Forces
Context: Benchmarks to measure Afghan National Army (ANA) progress are very precise and consistent with NATO’s overall ANA training initiatives.To strengthen the policing, justice and corrections sectors, our benchmarks include both quantitative and qualitative indicators. Anumber of external factors will affect our ability to make progress in these areas. Insurgent violence deliberately targeting Afghan police has resulted in high rates of death, injury and desertion, whichdegrade police effectiveness and limit our ability to track trained police officers. Canada is one of many actors contributing to rule-of-law reform: Afghan ministries are leading this process and key international partners are playing critical roles.
Benchmarks
Benchmark: Increase in the number of ANA kandaks (army battalions) in Kandahar capable of conducting near-autonomous security operations, and increase in the capability of their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | One of the five ANA kandaks is fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations (June 2008). | To have four of the five ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | The ANA brigade headquarters and one of the five kandaks are fully capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. |
Benchmark: Increase and/or maintain the effective strength (troops trained, ready and available for operations) of Kandahar-based ANA kandaks and their brigade headquarters.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters). | One of the five ANA kandaks has an effective strength of 67% and the remainder currently have an effective strength of over 80%. The ANA brigade headquarters has an effective strength of 77% (June 2008). | To sustain the level of effective strength of the Kandahar-based ANA kandaks (and their brigade headquarters) at 70% or higher. | Two of the five kandaks (and the brigade headquarters) have an effective strength of over 70%. The remaining three kandaks are between 65% and 70% effective strength. |
Benchmark: ANA responsible for security in more of the six key districts of Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
A progressive increase in the number of key districts in which the ANA is responsible for security, with fewer supporting ISAF troops. | The ANA is responsible for security in one of the six key districts (June 2008). | To have the ANA responsible for security in three of the six key districts. | There are no key districts for which the ANA is responsible for security. |
Benchmark: To increase the number of key districts where the ANA are perceived by the majority of the population to be a professional and effective force that contributes to their well-being in key districts of Kandahar province.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of key districts where the ANA has an approval rating of 85% or more. | In four of the six key districts the ANA has an approval rating of 85% or more (June 2008). | To maintain and/or increase the number of key districts where the ANA has an 85% approval rating. | No poll was completed between the period of the last report and this quarterly report. |
Benchmark: Increase in the number of key districts of Kandahar province where there is a perceived improvement in security conditions.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of key districts where the majority of Kandaharis perceive security as improving. | In zero of the six key districts, a majority of Kandaharis perceiving an improvement in security (June 2008). | The majority of Kandaharis in all six of the key districts perceive security as improving. | No poll was completed between the period of the last report and this quarterly report. |
Benchmark: Increased Afghan National Police (ANP) capacity to provide effective police services in key districts of Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP trained in Kandahar. | 25% of the ANP in key districts have completed Focused District Development (FDD) training (August 2008). (1) | 80% of key district ANP forces will have completed Focused District Development (FDD) training. | FDD training was completed by 59 ANP in the key districts this quarter, bringing the total to approximately 914 in the districts of Zhari, Panjwayi and Kandahar City. This is approximately 61% of all ANP for the key districts. The percentage of ANP trained will fluctuate between reporting periods as a result of ongoing changes in Afghan staffing levels and high desertion and casualty rates. |
Benchmark: Focused District Development (FDD) is a six-phase police reform program that involves retraining, equipping and mentoring district police forces as consolidated units, over six to eight months (but generally lasts longer).
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP forces in key districts capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | 0% of ANP forces in key districts are capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations (August 2008). | 80% of ANP forces in key districts are capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations. | The number of police units assessed as capable of conducting basic law and order operations (which equates to sustaining near-autonomous operations) has declined from two to one this quarter. This represents a total of 6% of the existing 17 police units in key districts (results based on November 2008 reporting). |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Five permanent substations have been constructed and equipped in key districts (August 2008). | 15 new infrastructure projects, such as construction of substations or checkpoints, and 15 upgrades to existing ANP facilities are completed in key districts in Kandahar province. All 15 new facilities built by Canada in Kandahar province are provided with basic equipment required to run a functioning police unit. | Seven new infrastructure projects are ongoing. Upgrades to one police substation were completed this quarter. |
Benchmark: Improved detention facilities in Kandahar that support the work of the Afghan National Police (ANP).
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Sarpoza prison and the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) detention centre in Kandahar. | Immediate repairs were made in the wake of the attack on Sarpoza prison. Detailed needs assessments for ongoing infrastructure upgrades at both NDS and Sarpoza have been completed and project plans have been developed in consultation with the Afghan government (August 2008). | 19 planned infrastructure projects, such as repairs to security infrastructure and refurbishment of prisoner quarters, are completed in Sarpoza prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. | Three infrastructure projects, including perimeter security reinforcement and the main gate, were completed in Sarpoza prison this quarter, bringing the total number of infrastructure projects completed to eight. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of corrections officials trained and mentored in Kandahar. | 23 corrections officers (30%) and one senior manager (50%) have successfully completed initial corrections training; and two senior managers (100%) are participating in management training (August 2008). | 100% of corrections officers and managers will have successfully completed their initial and advanced training programs. | 52 corrections officers completed initial corrections officer training this quarter for a total of 86 corrections officers trained (100% based on current staffing levels). 18 officers commenced advanced level training this quarter (20% based on current staffing levels). Two senior managers have completed an Executive Training Program. The percentage of corrections officers trained will fluctuate between reporting periods as a result of ongoing changes in Afghan staffing levels. |
Benchmark: Improved justice sector: a working court system in Kandahar City with competent judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and administrative personnel in place.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of training programs in place for justice officials Kandahar. | There are no current training programs for justice officials in Kandahar (August 2008). | Four training programs for justice officials in Kandahar are made available for those practising law and those involved in administering the legal system. | A 21-day workshop on criminal law and procedure commenced this quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of justice sector infrastructure and equipment projects completed in Kandahar. | Minimal judicial infrastructure exists. The Attorney General and Ministry of Justice building requires repair. In Kandahar City, there is one courthouse which is in disrepair and housing for judges and prosecutors is inadequate. In the other districts, there are only three courthouses, all of which require upgrading. | Five justice facilities, including the ANP Prosecutor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and High Court are built or rehabilitated to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. | Four infrastructure projects including security upgrades for the High Court and structural integrity work on the Attorney General’s Office are in the development phase. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Improved Ministry of Justice capacity to draft, revise, translate and promulgate laws passed by the Afghan government. | Afghan Ministry of Justice's legislative drafting unit lacks the required capacity, processes and infrastructure to draft, revise, translate and promulgate legislation in an effective and timely manner (August 2008). | The Afghan Ministry of Justice's legislative drafting unit achieves improved capacity. | Staffing completed and technical advisor to commence placement next quarter. |
Basic Services
Context: A number of benchmarks have been established under this priority, though some are less tangible than others as they are based on Afghan perception and will be measured against findings from public opinion research. It is important to note that polling in a complex environment like Kandahar is challenging and results may not always be reliable.
In the case of the Dahla Dam signature project, some key indicators have been established relating to the area of land irrigated and number of jobs created. Other indicators of progress will continue to be refined as the project moves into the planning and implementation stages.
The Dahla Dam and its irrigation and canal system rehabilitated, generating jobs and fostering agriculture. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of jobs created by the Dahla Dam project. | Project plan is in development and will be finalized in the fall of 2008. | 10,000 seasonal jobs created by the project. Other targets will be established for the fourth quarterly report. | In this quarter, 142 jobs were created in constructing preliminary infrastructure; a road was completed and bridge construction is underway for a total of 172 jobs. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of hectares of land benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | Project plan is in development and will be finalized in the fall of 2008. | A target will be developed for the fourth quarterly report. | Progress against this indicator will not be realized or reported until the project advances to the irrigation phase. |
Benchmark: A total of 50 schools built, expanded or repaired in Kandahar. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of school projects (built, expanded or repaired) in key districts. | 19 school projects contracted and one school project completed (June 2008). | 50 schools built, expanded or repaired. | In this quarter, one school was completed in the key districts of Kandahar, bringing the total rehabilitated to three. Construction began on an additional eight schools in the key districts with a total of 22 currently under construction. |
Benchmark: Local and provincial institutions able to meet and implement the objectives of the National Education Strategic Plan for Afghanistan.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of teachers trained in Kandahar. | No teachers trained as yet through Canadian programming (June 2008). | 3,000 trained teachers. | Preliminary in-service training for approximately 2,300 working teachers is being funded by USAID. This is leading to comprehensive teacher training programs led by Canada in 2009. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of people receiving literacy training, vocational education and skills development. | More than 5,000 individuals have received literacy training. Some 735 individuals have received vocational training (2007). | 20,000 additional individuals to receive literacy training | Literacy training for 10,949 adults (8,984 women) is ongoing and will be completed in January 2009. Vocational training targeting 470 adults is ongoing and will be completed in the next quarter. |
Benchmark: Provincial institutions and community groups able to identify and implement infrastructure projects.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of communities in key districts that have completed infrastructure projects undertaken by the locally elected bodies. | 60% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects (December 2007). | 75% of communities in key districts have completed infrastructure projects. | 64% of identified communities in key districts now have completed projects. Over the last quarter, 95 additional infrastructure projects including irrigation canals, energy and protection walls were completed. |
Benchmark: Kandaharis have confidence in the ability of the government in Kandahar to deliver basic services, particularly education and water, and job-oriented economic growth.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Percentage of Kandaharis who perceive an improvement in dependable delivery of services. | 75% of Kandaharis polled indicate they are satisfied with efforts of provincial and local-level government to improve quality of life. 64% of Kandaharis polled are somewhat or very satisfied with provision of education. 39% of polled Kandaharis indicated they are satisfied with employment (February 2008). | To maintain and improve on perception of service delivery. | No poll was completed between the period of the last report and this quarterly report. |
Benchmark: New economic opportunities created in key districts for Kandaharis.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of business enterprises and cooperatives established in key districts. | 206 agricultural cooperatives registered (April 2006) and 72 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating (July 2008). | Steady expansion of the number of enterprises in key districts. | New data shows that there are approximately 1,000 SMEs in Kandahar City alone. In this quarter, Canada supported new enterprises including a poultry business, a bakery and a bazaar. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of microfinance and savings clients served. | 30 microfinance loans provided to clients in Kandahar (March 2008). | Loans for 500 clients in Kandahar through the Microfinance Investment Support Facility. | In this quarter, 126 clients in Kandahar received loans. In addition to microfinance, Canada also contributed to the creation of a new investment and finance cooperative in Kandahar, which provided two loans to enterprises (total value US$295,000). |
Humanitarian Assistance
Context: The first benchmark in this priority includes a series of quantitative and qualitative measures, as no single indicator is comprehensive enough to provide a complete picture. Considered together, they will help to provide an assessment of progress.
The challenges for this priority are not in the indicators themselves, but in the ability to report against them on a quarterly basis given that evaluations and assessments are undertaken across longer timeframes. The evolving nature of security can challenge humanitarian access and limit the ability to report publicly on some efforts below the national level. It is also important to note that with some information, such as mine victims, officially reported numbers are only estimates given that many accidents go unreported.
Benchmark: Achievement of polio eradication in Afghanistan. *Canadian Signature Project*
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of immunizations delivered and children receiving the polio vaccine during each of the multiple national campaigns conducted annually—multiple vaccinations are required to stop transmission of polio. | In 2007, approximately 27.7 million vaccinations were administered to 7 million children during four national campaigns (2007). | Eradication by vaccination by 2009. | Nationally, 7.1 million children received vaccinations during the quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of polio cases reported. | 17 cases reported nationally (2007). | Eradication by 2009. | There were 31 cases of polio reported as of December 2008 with 27 cases in southern Afghanistan. This represents an increase over the last quarter. |
Benchmark: Public institutions able to plan and coordinate emergency assistance and support to vulnerable populations in Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The capacity of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) and Kandahar Provincial Disaster Management Authority (KPDMA) to put in place effective disaster preparedness plans. | KPDMA and United Nations in Kandahar developed a comprehensive contingency plan for a severe winter in 2007 and anticipated spring floods. Two training sessions were provided for the KPDMA on disaster management. | By 2011, KPDMA will have developed comprehensive strategies and coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters. | A humanitarian response plan was put in place by KPDMA and the UN, and non-food and food assistance pre-positioned, with lead Canadian support, in preparation for severe winter and flood risks in Kandahar. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The access that vulnerable populations— women, children, disabled persons, returnees and internally displaced persons — have to essential quality health services. | 111 healthcare staff have received training (June 2008). | Increase in the number of health workers available for Kandahar. | The regional hospital expanded obstetric and gynaecological services, and construction was completed on a new maternal waiting home, which will provide pre- and post-natal care. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The amount of land released and made available for communities as a result of survey and clearance of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) nationally and in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 180 square kilometres of land were released and made available nationally. | A cumulative total of 500 square kilometres of land released and made available.
| By November, 346 square kilometres had been cleared and released since January 2006. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of people receiving mine awareness education in Kandahar. | From March 2007 to March 2008, 33,500 individuals were provided with mine- awareness education. | 200,000 individuals provided with mine- awareness education. | Nine mine-risk education teams reached over 13,000 individuals. Training of trainers also took place for 76 teachers. |
Border Security and Dialogue
Context: Border security and dialogue are ultimately contingent on strong relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and on the resolution of some long-standing issues. Canada’s benchmarks for this priority include qualitative and quantitative progress indicators to assess the effectiveness of Afghan and Pakistani border management efforts, including bilateral cooperation. As the border is long, its terrain difficult and its infrastructure underdeveloped, obtaining baseline information and establishing targets are challenging. Canada has already begun to work with the Afghan and Pakistani governments to identify infrastructure, training and other needs. This information will be essential to refining our baselines and targets in future.
Benchmark: Regular discussions on border issues.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased dialogue between Pakistani and Afghan officials through mechanisms including Canadian-sponsored workshops. | Three Canadian-sponsored workshops have been held to date. Key mechanisms for discussions were suspended by Afghanistan in July 2008 (August 2008). | Sustainable mechanisms for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues are in place and operating for senior officials. | An Afghan-Pakistani Peace Jirga meeting was held in October. The meeting was coordinated by the Afghan Peace Jirga Secretariat, which is funded in part by Canada. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Increased cooperation at Kandahar-Baluchistan border. | Regular Canadian-facilitated discussions at Kandahar-Baluchistan border are continuing. | Mechanisms at border in place for regular and substantive discussions across a broad array of issues. | Canadian-facilitated discussions between Afghan and Pakistani military officials stationed at the Kandahar-Baluchistan border (border flag meeting) took place in November. |
Benchmark: Better managed border crossings on the Kandahar-Baluchistan border.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Training completed by border officials. | No training provided to date (August 2008). | A tailored training curriculum for new recruits in international customs procedures and a senior management development program for Afghan Customs will be developed by September 2009. | The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAIT) conducted a Canada-U.S. reconnaissance mission to Spin Boldak, in preparation for RCMP/CBSA Training Needs Assessment to take place in January 2009. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Key infrastructure projects completed, including procurement of equipment. | Assessment of infrastructure needs not yet complete, some equipment purchases underway (August 2008). | Construction completed of a Joint District Coordination Centre in Spin Boldak. | CBSA and DFAIT conducted a Canada-U.S. reconnaissance mission to Spin Boldak to advance the identification of infrastructure needs and challenges. A feasibility study for construction of a new border crossing facility in Kandahar (Weish) began in December and will be completed in March 2009. |
Democratic Development and National Institutions
Context: Given the nature of the first benchmark, measures will include quantitative data such as internationally recognized Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessments in addition to qualitative assessments of ministry-specific evaluation activities and public perception assessed through polling.
The Government of Afghanistan intends to hold two elections before 2011: a presidential election and provincial council elections in 2009, and the election of parliament and district councils in 2010.
Canada will actively contribute in this area but it is important to recall that Canada is one of many actors. The Afghan government is leading, with support from the international community.
Benchmark: Key ministries in Afghanistan able to plan, resource, manage and maintain the delivery of services including at the
sub-national level.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Effective planning and budgeting mechanisms in place. | The difference between planned and actual government spending is 9.7% (April 2008). | The difference between planned and actual government spending should be less than or equal to 5%. | End of fiscal year reporting will take place annually. Some improvements were noted over this quarter, such as in the tracking of donor assistance through national budgets. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Better government monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure transparency. | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3 (April 2008). | Comprehensiveness of budget execution and financial reports, frequency and public access to them (PEFA rating): 3+. | PEFA results are produced every two years; however, data on specific indicators is available more frequently. For example, key elements of the budget monitoring and reporting process were strengthened, including improved mid-year budget review processes and regular analysis and reporting on budget expenditures. |
Benchmark: Afghanistan’s ability to manage upcoming elections.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of a national voter registry. | Pilot voter registration process carried out in three selected provinces (April 2008). | Update of registry completed in a four-phased approach, in advance of 2009 presidential elections: | The update of the voter registry proceeded as planned in the last quarter: phase I (October-November) and phase II (November-December) were completed, and in phase III six provinces were partially registered and will be completed in the next quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of registered voters nationally. | Approximately 12.6 million voters in the existing registry (2005). | Two million new registrants added to the current registry in advance of the 2009 presidential and provincial council elections; 500,000 new registrants added to the 2009 registry in advance of the 2010 parliamentary and district council elections. | Interim reporting indicates that over 3.2 million eligible voters had been registered under phases I-III (October-December), approximately 40% of whom were women. Some registrations may overlap with the current registry. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of voter turnout. | 70% of registered voters participated in the last presidential elections; 51.5% of registered voters participated in the last parliamentary and provincial council elections. | 70% turnout for men; 40% turnout for women | Results will be reported following the elections. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | An independent electoral complaints commission does not currently exist (August 2008). | Establishment of an independent electoral complaints commission. | The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) is being established through the UNDP ELECT program, supported in part by Canada. |
Political Reconciliation
Context: Ultimately, only the Afghan government has the authority to pursue political reconciliation; Canada and other international partners will play supporting roles. Progress indicators to measure this benchmark include the identification of Afghan institutions and officials responsible for moving reconciliation forward, as well as the establishment of a transparent and effective process for reconciling insurgents.
Afghanistan cannot secure peace or realize its governance and development objectives by military means alone. An Afghan-led, internationally supported reconciliation process can serve to foster sustainable peace.
Benchmark: The Government of Afghanistan increasingly able to promote reconciliation among Afghans.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government identifies the institutions and officials responsible for promoting Afghan reconciliation and a national reconciliation process is established. | A clear institutional focal point and process have yet to be identified (August 2008).
| A lead authority is moving reconciliation process forward.
| Canada provides support to the Independent Directorate for Local Governance (IDLG), which is mandated to provide strategic direction on subnational governance. The IDLG is also emerging as a focus for reconciliation across Afghanistan but a national reconciliation strategy has not yet been fully developed. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The Afghan government is better able to communicate with Afghans about reconciliation. | The Government of Afghanistan’s ability to share information about its programs, policies and objectives in a timely manner is limited (August 2008). | The Government of Afghanistan is actively sharing information, at the national, provincial and district levels, regarding its programs, policies and objectives for reconciliation. | Canada supported the creation of the Afghanistan Government Media and Information Centre, which is now operational. It also provides training, and is hosting a number of communications working groups, which bring together officers from Afghan government ministries and the international community to share best practices, with a view to better communicating with Afghans. |
