VIENNA, January 15 2007 (UNODC) - The Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Antonio Maria Costa, welcomed the German Government's decision to donate $6.6 million to help Afghanistan rebuild its police force and re-establish law and order.
The grant will go to the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan. Administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financed by the international community, the Trust Fund helps to ensure the payment of police salaries .
"Afghanistan is going through a critical period, with growing lawlessness and the dramatic upsurge in opium production recorded by UNODC in 2006," Mr Costa. "I commend the German Government for its support to strengthening the rule of law. An effective police force is vital if the country is to enjoy a secure future."
Germany is the key partner for re-establishing the police force and works with the Afghan Government to coordinate international efforts in this field. Since 2002, the German Government has spent over $93 million on boosting law enforcement. More than 60,000 police officers have so far received basic and advanced training from Germany and other partners.
***
