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 of developments 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.
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. Progress to date: The ANA has maintained the performance of one kandak and raised the brigade headquarters to the highest capability milestone, and the rest have improved to the second highest capability milestone. |
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. | Three of the five kandaks and the ANA brigade headquarters have an effective strength of 70% or higher. Progress to date: Although progress over the year has been mixed, the ANA has been able to maintain the effective strength of three kandaks and the brigade headquarters at over 70%. |
** NEW Benchmark: Progressive increase in the security burden shouldered by the ANA in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the Canadian Forces. **
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are executed by the ANA. | Forty-five percent of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA | Sixty-five percent of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA. | Seventy-one percent of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are executed by the ANA. Progress to date: A progress trend is not yet established. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The percentage of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR that are led by the ANA. | Forty-five percent of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA | Sixty-five percent of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA. | Sixty-five percent of total security operations in the Canadian Forces AOR are led by the ANA. Progress to date: A progress trend is not yet established. |
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.
Benchmark: Increase in the number of key districts of Kandahar province where there is a perceived improvement of 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 feel secure or perceive security as improving (June 2008). | The majority of Kandaharis in all six of the key districts feel secure or perceive security as improving. | In one of the six key districts, a majority of Kandaharis feel secure or perceive security as improving. Progress to date: Overall, there has been an improvement over the baseline. |
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 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. | Two new infrastructure projects and upgrades to three police checkpoints were completed this quarter. Progress to date: A total of 12 infrastructure projects have been completed. |
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. 12 planned equipment purchases, such as communications equipment, uniforms and office furnishing, are delivered to Sarpoza prison in keeping with international standards and best practices. | Two infrastructure projects were initiated this quarter, including upgrades to the kitchen and administration areas. Two equipment purchases were initiated, including additional security equipment. Progress to date: A total of 11 infrastructure projects have been completed at Sarpoza prison, and a total of seven equipment purchases have been delivered. |
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. | 22 corrections officers completed basic level training this quarter; 37 corrections officers commenced advanced level training; and 18 senior managers completed an Executive Training Program. Progress to date: A total of 75 corrections officers, or 100% of current staffing levels, have completed basic level training, 50% have completed advanced level training and 100% of senior managers have completed management training. The percentage of corrections officers trained will fluctuate as a result of ongoing changes in Afghan staffing levels. |
Benchmark: Improved justice sector: a working court system in KandaharCity 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. | Building on the two 21-day workshops delivered in previous quarters, two training programs are currently in the development stage. Progress to date: Two 21-day workshops on criminal law and procedure have been delivered. |
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. | Three infrastructure projects in support of Kandahar justice institutions are ongoing. One project upgrade to the security of the Provincial Courthouse and the Attorney General’s office was completed. One project to provide equipment to a Kandahar justice institution was completed during the quarter and two additional projects are ongoing. Progress to date: A total of four infrastructure projects, including the High Court and Attorney General’s office, have begun. Two equipment projects have been completed, and two additional projects are ongoing. |
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. | A technical advisor was deployed to the Ministry of Justice’s legislative drafting unit, and two needs-assessments were performed. Based on these results, initial training sessions were delivered, aimed at helping drafters understand the technical and conceptual aspects of legislative drafting. Additionally, the Canadian Governance Support Office delivered equipment to increase the drafting unit’s capacity to undertake its work. Progress to date: Capacity building, including training and equipment delivery at the legislative drafting unit has commenced. |
Approval rating for ANA is defined as being perceived as professional and capable force.
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).
FDD 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.”
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 |
NEW: Progress in the rehabilitation of the physical structures of the | NEW: Access road completed and bridge nearing completion | NEW: Completion of all planned rehabilitation activities in accordance with the project plan. | NEW: The new bridge is completed and being used regularly by Kandaharis. Progress to date: A progress trend is not yet established. |
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. | 27 jobs were created this quarter. Progress to date: A total of 199 jobs have been created to date. |
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 (to 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, no new schools were completed in the key districts. Progress to date: A total of five schools have been fully completed with an additional 28 schools under construction, eight of which are more than 90% complete. |
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. | 100 teachers have been trained this quarter. Progress to date: 100 teachers have been trained through Canadian programming (including community-based teachers). |
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 Progress to date: 10,949 individuals (8,984 women) have completed literacy training and 470 adults have received vocational training. |
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. | 66% of identified communities in key districts now have completed projects. Over the last quarter 22 new infrastructure projects including power line supply, water reservoirs and shallow wells were completed. Progress to date: A steady increase over the year has resulted in a 6% increase over the baseline. |
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. | 75% of Kandaharis polled are satisfied with the Afghan government’s efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities; 44% are satisfied with the provision of education and 25% are satisfied with employment in their communities. Progress to date: Kandaharis’ satisfaction with the provision of education and employment levels in communities has decreased over the past year, indicating a need for greater focus in these sectors. Canada’s signature projects are well placed to assist in addressing these issues. |
Benchmark: New economic opportunities created in key districts for Kandaharis.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
NEW: The number of business enterprises and cooperatives operating 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. | A total of 633 business enterprises are now formally registered in Kandahar. No change has been reported in the number of cooperatives. Progress to date: A total of 633 business enterprises and 226 cooperatives are formally registered in Kandahar. Challenges sourcing reliable data for this indicator are being addressed. |
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. | 479 active borrowing clients are now being served in Kandahar. Progress to date: A total of 479 clients and 580 loans have been disbursed. |
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 |
NEW: The number of 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 subnational and one national campaign during the reporting period. Of the 400,000 children targeted in Kandahar during the sub-national campaign, approximately 369,000, or 92%, were vaccinated. In the national campaign, over 7.2 million children across Afghanistan continue to be immunized. Polio remains confined primarily to the southern part of the country with isolated cases in the east. Progress to date: Over 7.2 million children across Afghanistan and 92% of children in Kandahar continue to be immunized. Multiple vaccinations are required to stop transmission of polio. |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The number of polio cases reported. | 17 cases reported nationally (2007). | Eradication by 2009. | In this quarter, eight new cases were identified, bringing the 2009 total to 13, including seven in Kandahar. Progress to date: The number of polio cases reported in 2009 is consistent with the number of cases reported in 2008. Intense insurgency efforts and increasing cases of polio in neighbouring Pakistan continue to impede eradication efforts and the mobility of vaccination teams. |
Benchmark: Public institutions able to plan and coordinate emergency assistance and support to vulnerable populations in Kandahar.
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
NEW: Quantity of humanitarian food aid delivered in response to need. | NEW: 6.7 million Afghans (approximately 21%) supported with food aid, representing 214,000 metric tonnes of food against an identified need where 30% of the Afghan population were considered chronically food insecure (January-December 2007). | NEW: Maintain and/or improve the number of Afghans receiving food assistance in proportion to need. | NEW: During the quarter, Canadian funding helped the World Food Programme provide a total of |
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
The capacity of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Committee (ANDMC) and Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) 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 will have developed comprehensive strategies and coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters. | Nothing new to report this quarter. Progress to date: A humanitarian response plan was put into place, and the Afghan government’s response to severe flooding in the south was recognized by the UN as improved compared with previous disasters, indicating an increase in capacity. |
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 health care staff have received training (June 2008). | NEW: 500 health care workers trained. | During this quarter 330 health care workers were trained. Progress to date: With Canadian support 597 health care workers in Kandahar have been trained, contributing to increased access to health services. Additionally, construction on the Maternal Waiting Home was completed. |
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.
| In this quarter, 0.27 square kilometres of land were released as a result of clearance and survey in Kandahar, benefiting over 24,000 people. Progress to date: Since March 2007, over 270 square kilometres of land have been released and made available nationally. Since January 2009, over 0.7 square kilometres have been cleared and released to communities in Kandahar. |
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 approximately Progress to date: Since October 2008, over 119,000 individuals have received mine risk education. |
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. | The governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are working closely with Canadian officials to advance implementation of the Dubai Process Action Plan recommendations, in preparation for the Joint Working Group meetings on counter-narcotics and managing the movement of people in late July. Progress to date: Dubai Process Joint Working Groups were established as a regular mechanism for advancing border management cooperation. |
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 May 2009. Progress to date: Border Flag meetings have been established as a regular mechanism of dialogue. |
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. | The Canada Border Services Agency has finalized a work plan to contribute curriculum and trainers to a new Afghan National Customs Academy being set up in Kabul in early 2010. The RCMP has deployed two senior civilian police to Kabul to assist in planning border police training and operations, and to mentor the Afghan Chief of Border Police. Progress to date: The groundwork for developing and delivering training programs has been laid. |
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. | Construction on the Joint District Coordination Centre in Spin Boldak has begun. One Canadian-funded truck-mounted scanner is ready to be deployed (in Swat initially) and the second (for the Balochistan-Kandahar border) is undergoing final repairs and calibrations. Canadian officials are working with Afghan and U.S. partners to acquire the land identified in a recently completed feasibility study for construction of a new border crossing facility in Kandahar (Weish). Progress to date: Construction of the Joint District Coordination Centre has begun. |
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.
** NEW Benchmark: Key Afghan government institutions able to plan, resource, manage and maintain the delivery of services including at the
subnational level. **
Progress Indicator | Baseline | 2011 Target | Quarterly Result |
NEW: Provinces have established long-term provincial strategic plans that are aligned with Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) objectives. | NEW: Zero provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan (PSP) (March 2009). | NEW: All 34 provinces have completed a provincial strategic plan.
NEW: Kandahar will have demonstrated progress in implementing its strategic plan against identified timelines. | NEW: The UNDP and Afghan government have identified an initial 22 provinces (including Kandahar) that will first develop PSPs. Training for officials from these 22 provinces took place in May. Progress to date: A progress trend is not yet established. |
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%. | The annual report is not yet available, but preliminary data indicates that the difference between planned and actual government spending last fiscal year was 5% for Afghanistan’s core operating budget. However, preliminary data also indicates a much lower execution rate (42%). Reasons for this include cancellation of planned development projects and continued lack of “absorption capacity.” Progress to date: Preliminary data suggests significant improvement over the past year in budgeting and planning mechanisms. |
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. For example, the Afghan parliament approved the 1388 (March 2009 to March 2010) annual Afghan government budget on time, for the second year in a row, thus enabling greater predictability for the execution of that year’s budget. Progress to date: It is difficult to establish progress trends as PEFA results are produced only every two years. |
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 are now completed. Registration remains open in provincial capitals until mid-July. Progress to date: Registration for the 2009 elections is nearing completion. |
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. | There is no significant change from the previous quarter. Registration remains open in provincial capitals until mid-July. Progress to date: Over 4.4 million eligible voters have been added to the national 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 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 now fully established in Kabul and final steps are being taken to formalize its presence in all provinces. During the candidate nomination period, the ECC received 302 complaints and disqualified 57 candidates as non-eligible. Progress to date: The independent Electoral Complaints Commission has been established, and is functioning. |
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.
| There are no further results this quarter. A fully developed national reconciliation strategy has yet to emerge. Progress to date: One year may not be enough time to establish progress trends. |
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. | The Afghanistan Government Media Information Centre, partly funded by Canada, continues to operate in Kabul. Plans are underway to open a new branch in Kandahar, which should facilitate better communication on reconciliations issues. Progress to date: The Government of Afghanistan’s ability to share information in a timely manner is steadily increasing. |
