UNAMA, 11 December 2006

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continued to expand its presence in the country with the opening of a new regional office in western Badghis province.

The opening of this office is in direct support of the local population and in support of those organisations and agencies that are endeavoring to deliver increased development in the region.

The new office will closely cooperate with the local government and governors and with all the administration to strengthen good governance and the rule of law, as well as monitor human rights issues.

New offices have already been opened in Zabul and Kunar provinces this year and the Mission will continue to open more offices across the whole country until spring of next year. UNAMA firmly believes its presence can help contribute to the stabilisation of Afghanistan.

The new office builds on UNAMA's current network of eight regional offices and two sub-regional offices and will help the Mission listen closely to the needs of the people, the community, the elders and the local authorities to get a better understanding about what can be done to help bring prosperity to Afghanistan.