COMMON MENU BAR BEGINS | DEBUT DE LA BARRE DE MENU COMMUNE
Institutional Links
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 with the progress indicators, are a fixed point, and will not change over time.
- Targets are the level of progress that we hope to achieve by 2011. Some targets have already been met.
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. A number 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, which degrade 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. | Four of the five kandaks (and the brigade headquarters) have an effective strength of over 70%. The fifth kandak is currently on leave and, as a result, has a temporary strength of 13%. |
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 where 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.1 | 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. | The ANA has an approval rating of 85% or more in three of the six key districts. |
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. | There are no key districts where the majority of Kandaharis perceive an improvement in security. Recent polling shows no change from the baseline for this indicator. |
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).2 | 80% of key district ANP forces will have completed FDD training. | 237 ANP in the key districts completed FDD training this quarter, bringing the total to approximately 1,151 in the districts of Zhari, Panjwayi, Dand and Kandahar City. This comprises approximately 77% of all ANP for the key districts. The percentage of trained ANP will fluctuate between reporting periods as a result of ongoing changes in Afghan staffing levels and high desertion and casualty rates. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of ANP forces in key districts assessed at Capability Milestone 2, i.e., capable of planning, executing and sustaining near-autonomous operations.3 | 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. | One of 17 police units is assessed at Capability Milestone 2, which represents 6% of existing forces in key districts. |
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. | Four new infrastructure projects were completed this quarter. Ten ANP facilities, including six checkpoints and four police substations, were upgraded this quarter for a total of 11 ANP facility upgrades. |
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 a women’s unit upgrade, were completed in Sarpoza Prison this quarter, bringing the total number of infrastructure projects completed to 11. One equipment purchase, including staff equipment, was delivered to Sarpoza Prison this quarter, for a total of seven equipment purchases completed. |
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. | 10 corrections officers completed initial corrections officer training (Phase I) this quarter, for a total of 95 corrections officers trained (100% based on current staffing levels). 52 officers commenced advanced level training (Phase II) (60% based on current staffing levels). 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. | Two 21-day workshops on criminal law and procedures were completed 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. Three justice facilities, including the Land Registry Office (Cadastre), ANP Prosecutor’s Office and High Court are equipped to support the formal justice system in Kandahar City. | One equipment project, in support of the Land Registry Office, was completed this quarter. Two infrastructure projects, including support to the Attorney General’s Office and structural upgrades to the ANP Prosecutor’s Office, also commenced this quarter. A subsequent project to upgrade security for the High Court is in the approvals stage. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Improved Ministry of Justice capacity to draft, revise, translate and promulgate laws passed by the Afghan government. | The 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. | A Canadian technical advisor has been deployed and commenced work in the Ministry of Justice. |
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.
Benchmark: 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. | No additional jobs were created this quarter. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
Number of hectares of land benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | 20,000 hectares of land currently have access to irrigation (of varying degree and quality) via the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system. | 30,000 hectares in total benefiting from improved irrigation and water management. | 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, two schools were completed in the key districts of Kandahar, bringing the total rehabilitated to five. Construction began on an additional three schools in the key districts, bringing the total to 25 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. | A Canadian-supported teacher training program that focuses on pre-service and in-service teacher training was initiated and will begin rolling out in fall 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 | 10,949 adults (8,984 women) completed a 10-month literacy program, and 470 adults completed a 10-month vocational training program during the quarter. New courses in both areas are being established. |
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. | 65% of identified communities in key districts now have completed projects. Over the last quarter, 35 additional infrastructure projects including irrigation canals, power line supply and protection walls were completed in key districts. |
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. | The percentage of Kandaharis reporting satisfaction with the delivery of services has dropped slightly: 70% of Kandaharis polled are satisfied with the Afghan government’s efforts to improve quality of life in their communities; 60% are satisfied with the provision of education; 29% are satisfied with employment in their communities. |
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. | As of March, there were 226 cooperatives in Kandahar, 171 of which are in the key districts. This quarter, Canada convened a roundtable in Kandahar with local businesspeople to explore business opportunities. |
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 January, 30 new loans were provided, bringing the total to 322 to date. |
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. | There were two national campaigns during the reporting period. Of the 400,000 children targeted in each campaign for Kandahar, approximately 375,000 and 350,000 children were reached in January and March, respectively. Polio is now confined mostly to the southern part of the country. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of polio cases reported. | 17 cases reported nationally (2007). | Eradication by 2009. | The total number of new cases recorded for 2009 is five, while the total number of polio cases for 2008 remains 31. All of these cases are in the southern region, including Kandahar. |
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 Committee (ANDMC) and Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) in Kandahar to put in place effective disaster preparedness plans. | The PDMC 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 PDMC on disaster management. | By 2011, PDMC in Kandahar will have developed comprehensive strategies and coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters. | Canadian-funded training on disaster response was provided in Kandahar to 40 southern region government officials, including the PDMC in Kandahar. The Afghan government’s response to flooding in the southern region was recognized by the UN as improved compared with previous disasters as a result of this training. |
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. | Canadian-supported training of health care workers in Kandahar was undertaken during the quarter on a range of topics, including maternal and newborn health. In total, 13 courses were provided to 267 Kandahar health care workers. Supplies have been provided and equipment installed for the maternal waiting home of the Mirwais Hospital, and staff hiring is almost complete. |
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.
| National numbers are available annually; however, in Kandahar, a total of 0.44 square kilometres was released to communities during January and February as a result of clearance and survey. Demining activities along electricity transmission line routes from Uzbekistan have resulted in a significant increase in power supplied to Kabul since February 2009. |
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. | Mine risk education continued throughout Kandahar province, reaching more than 43,000 individuals in January and February. This brings the total number trained to over 56,000 since October. |
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. | A Canadian-facilitated Afghanistan-Pakistan Cooperation Workshop (Dubai Process) was held in March. The workshop produced an action plan with concrete next steps, timelines and lead departments. The Afghan and Pakistani delegations also agreed to hold joint working group meetings to further progress cooperation on customs, the movement of people, law enforcement and counter-narcotics. |
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 February. The discussions resulted in agreement that senior commanders from Task Force Kandahar, the Afghan Border Police and Pakistani Frontier Corps would communicate weekly. |
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. A target for the number of officials to be trained will be set in September 2009, in consultation with international partners and Afghan Customs. | An RCMP/CBSA training needs assessment took place in January 2009. A work plan is now being developed to address identified needs. The Civilian Police Deployment Strategy identifies two positions as strategic border positions, and processes are underway to actively identify potential candidates. |
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. Infrastructure and equipment improvements completed at Weish border crossing in Kandahar, based on the results of a feasibility study to be completed in March 2009. | A feasibility study for construction of a new border crossing facility in Kandahar (Weish) was completed in March. Associated discussions and planning with the Afghanistan Customs Department and U.S. partners are underway. |
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%. | As of January 22, the Afghan government was on track to meeting the target, having spent 75% of its planned core operating budget for the fiscal year ending March 2009. However, it had spent only 33% of its planned core development budget for the same fiscal year. Reasons include a lack of “absorption capacity,” resulting in part from deficiencies in project implementation and management skills on the part of Afghan government officials. |
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 only every two years; however, budget monitoring and reporting processes are being continuously strengthened. This quarter, the budget department of the Ministry of Finance began monitoring budget expenditure performance on a weekly basis. |
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 main registration phases were completed as planned in February, including an update of the registry in Kandahar during phase IV (January-February). Registration remains open in provincial capitals until the August elections. |
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 4.4 million eligible voters were registered during the update of the voter registry, including 1.2 million voters during the quarter. Some registrations may duplicate those in the existing 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. These targets are consistent with figures currently being used by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ELECT project. | 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, and is expected to be operating in the second quarter of 2009. |
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.
| The Independent Directorate for Local Governance’s emerging role as a focal point for reconciliation efforts across Afghanistan has not yet evolved into a fully developed national reconciliation strategy. The disarmament of illegally armed groups is emerging as a possible interim platform for immediate delivery of reconciliation at the local level. |
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. | Although not running at full capacity, the part Canadian-funded Afghanistan Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC) is increasing its operations and staging government press events roughly four times a month. GMIC events have received extensive media coverage across Afghanistan and illustrate that the organization has greater capacity to deliver messaging on reconciliation. |
1Approval rating is defined as perceived as a professional and capable force.
2The Focused District Development 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 for longer).
3FDD is assessed by Capability Milestones. Capability Milestone 2 is defined as “the police unit, staff function or installation can conduct basic law and order operations, management or leadership tasks (appropriate to local circumstances) with occasional assistance from an international advisor or police mentor team.”
