NZDF contribution to the United Nations Assistance Mission Afghanistan (UNAMA) is one officer. The officer works as a Military Liaison Officer (MLO) providing the strategic interface between multi-national forces and Afghan authorities. The NZDF officer is the Deputy Chief of Operations at UNAMA HQ in Kabul. His role is outlined below.
Feature Story: Making a Difference in Afghanistan
There are unarmed military personnel stationed in Afghanistan from various countries –
- Austria
- Australian
- Bangladesh
- Denmark
- Germany
- New Zealand
- Poland
- South Korean, and
- Uruguay
Together they form the Military Advisor Unit (MAU) in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). They are spread throughout the country, generally one per UN region (with the exception of the Central Highlands which is considered by the UN as militarily benign). They are involved in meetings and visits in all 34 provinces with Government bodies, the Afghan National Army, Coalition Forces, and the International Security Assistance Force; concerning the development of the national security forces, actions of Anti Government Elements (AGEs), and the Disbandment of Illegally Armed Groups (or DIAG). New Zealand's particular role is a more traditional staff position.
Based in the UN HQ in Kabul, the role involves collecting, collating, and analysing the reports from the field offices to produce a coherent picture for the UN senior management.
Mandate
UNAMA was established on March 28, 2002 through UNSCR 1401. It includes promoting national reconciliation; fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to the United Nations in the Bonn Agreement, including those related to human rights, the rule of law and gender issues, and managing all UN humanitarian, relief, recovery and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan in coordination with the Afghan Administration.
For more information about UNAMA visit - UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
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