Sweden will expand its co-operation with Afghanistan in the coming years, with both more staff on the ground and greater resources.
Sweden is managing the International Security Assistance Force’s (ISAF) military work for security and reconstruction in four provinces in northern Afghanistan. The Swedish Armed Forces are working for security and stabilization. At the same time, Sida is working towards long-term development, as it does in other parts of the world.
The focus of Sweden’s development work in Afghanistan is poor people’s perspective on development and the rights perspective. Afghanistan’s own plan to combat poverty, the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), forms the basis of this work.
Focus on women’s rights
The election in August 2009 presents major challenges. Apart from getting the practical side to work, with voting stations, registering voters and counteracting foul play, there is a risk that the election will lead to a deterioration in the security situation
For some time, Sida has been supporting the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Elect program, which is working for the elections to be held democratically.
Women are in a vulnerable situation in Afghanistan. Their human rights are regularly violated. Most of them have no identity cards, they do not vote and if they are subjected to violence within the family, there is usually nowhere to turn.
The situation of women needs to improve. Sida is therefore co-operating with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). Sida is also supporting sheltered accommodation for women who have been subjected to sexual violence. When a woman goes to the shelter, Sida’s partner organization, Women for Afghan Women, can help to mediate with her family and find a solution to the situation.
Education necessary for continued development
So few Afghans being able to read and write poses an obstacle to development. Many youngsters have neither a job or go to school. Unemployment risks stirring up the conflict.
In recent years, a greater number of Afghan children have had access to education. But there are still some major failings. For example, there are not enough educated teachers and few of them are women. That, together with other cultural obstacles, is limiting girls’ opportunity to go to school.
Through several organizations, Sweden is supporting many children and youngsters in getting education, including the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) and the UN’s children’s fund, UNICEF. Particular efforts are also being made for girls’ opportunity for education.
Development of the private sector
Many Afghans are living in poverty. To give them an opportunity to provide for themselves, Sida wants to strengthen the private sector. Above all, Sida wants to create an environment which encourages micro entrepreneurs and small businesses.
