By James Heffield
November 3, 2006.
He works long hours and a seven day week but the New Zealand officer working for the United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan (UNAMA) says the work is immensely satisfying.
Commander Peter Waa, RNZN, is the chief of staff of UNAMA’s Military Advisor Unit. He works a busy schedule liaising between the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the Afghan security forces and the United Nations.
“It can be a very hectic regime but it’s immensely rewarding. We are doing our best to lift Afghanistan up from its position of fifth poorest country in the world.”
UNAMA aims to coordinate a number of reconstruction and development efforts in Afghanistan. It is also mandated to promote good governance and eradicate human rights abuses in the country.
The Military Advisor Unit involves personnel from a variety of countries who serve in various roles. Eight are attached to each of the UNAMA regional offices while others serve in the missions district office and headquarters element.
The biggest challenge they face is working around the conflict taking place in the East, South-East and South of the country, Commander Waa says. Trying to overcome the “extreme levels” of poverty and illiteracy is also difficult.
“All of these issues impact opportunities for national and international agencies to bring development to the country.”
Despite these difficulties, progress is being made. It won’t be fast or simple but if the Afghan population begins to take a more active role in the future of their country, life can be made a huge amount better, he says,
Commander Waa is due back in New Zealand at the end of November.