1. Canada announces $5M aid for women and girls initiatives 06-03-2008
2. Government of Canada Provides Additional $10m Food Aid To Afghanistan 06-02-2008
3. Canada Announces $80 million for a Mine Action Program in Afghanistan 03-12-2007
4. Canada announces $60M aid package for Education of Afghanistan 04-10-2007
5. Canada announces $45M aid package for Afghanistan 25-8-2007
6. Canada's New Government Reinforces its Commitment to Enhance Justice and the Rule of Law in Afghanistan 2007-07-12 + Remarks by Consul General Mr. Waheed Monawar on behalf of Amb. Samad
7. Canada provides emergency and aid to tropical storm survivors in Pakistan and Afghanistan 2007-07-04
8. Canada announces funding to strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan 2007-07-03
9. Canada's New Government continues investments in new women's programs in Afghanistan 2007-04-12
10. Canada’s New Government substantially boosts support to development efforts in Afghanistan 2007-02-26
11. Canada boosts support for successful Afghan microfinance program - 2007-02-05
12. Canada's new government invests in Afghanistan's minefield clearance and community-led development - 2007-01-09
13. Canada's new government announces funding to help women and reconstruction in Kandahar - 2007-01-08
14. Canada gives $10M for Afghan police salaries - 2007-01-05
15. Canada's New Government partners with UNICEF and the World Food Programme to assist families in Afghanistan - 2006-12-20
16. Helping Afghans Rebuild Their Lives: Canada Supports Community-Based Development in Afghanistan (2006-10-11) – Canada will provide over $18 million to help Afghans rebuild needed infrastructure, improve access to basic necessities and strengthen democratic development - 2006-10-11
17. Canada supports polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan (2006-10-05)
18. Afghan Ambassador thanks Canada for aid to fight Polio (10.06.06)

March 6- 2008

Ottawa — The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced today that the Government of Canada is taking new action to reduce discrimination against women and children in Afghanistan and encourage their participation in Afghan society.

Minister Oda announced two initiatives at an event hosted by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), on the occasion of International Women’s Week, to recognize the efforts of Canadian organizations and individuals that are helping improve the lives of Afghan women and girls.

“Women in Afghanistan suffered tremendous hardship under the Taliban regime. They lost the right to a formal education, to being part of the workforce and to participating in political life,” said Minister Oda. “Canada is proud to help Afghan women overcome this legacy and is honoured to highlight some of the important work being done by Canadians, such as Alaina Podmorow, to help improve the lives of Afghan women and girls.”

As part of today’s announcement, the Government will provide $5 million to the Responsive Fund for the Advancement of Women, a Canadian International Development Agency fund to support quick-impact projects aimed at reducing discrimination against women and encourage their participation in Afghan society. The new capacity that this funding provides will help address the recommendation in the report of the Independent Panel on Canada’s role in Afghanistan for “locally managed, quick action projects that bring immediate improvement to everyday life for Afghans.”

The Government will also provide $500,000 to the Excel-rate Education initiative being undertaken by the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, (CW4WA) a volunteer network in Canada committed to supporting the empowerment of Afghan women and girls. This project will establish a teacher-training program, through local partners, to improve education for Afghan girls in Kabul Province. The funding will permit the training of 720 Afghan teachers, including 364 female teachers.

In addition, CIDA will match, dollar for dollar, funds raised by CW4WA, and their affiliated youth organization, Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan, to bring the number of female teachers trained to 500.

Two years ago, Miss Podmorow, an 11-year old girl from Okanagan, B.C., founded the organization called Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan (LW4LW). This group is an extension of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. Through fundraising efforts, LW4LW was able to pay for the salaries of thirty Afghan schoolteachers for one year, at a cost of $750 per teacher. In addition to raising funds, Miss Podmorow’s organization is committed to raising awareness among North American girls and their parents about the issues faced by girls in Afghanistan.

Today’s announcement is part of Canada's overall $1.3 billion contribution to development in Afghanistan over 10 years which is aimed at strengthening governance, security and development in the country.

By Pajhwok Correspondent,February 07, 2008 NEW YORK (PAN)

Canada Wednesday announced an additional aid of $10 million to help the Afghans facing a severe shortage of food during harsh winter conditions in the impoverished country.

Canadian Minister for International Co-operation Beverley J. Oda in Ottawa, making the announcement, said the aid would be routed through the World Food Programme (WFP).

Canada's support will go a long way towards helping address this immediate need and to alleviating some of the hardships being caused by the harsh winter conditions this season, Oda hoped.

Welcoming the announcement, Afghan Ambassador to Canada Omar Samad told Pajhwok Afghan News it was good news and the aid would help those in dire need. With Afghanistan facing acute shortage of essential commodities and prices soaring, the UN and the Afghan government issued a joint global appeal for help last month.

"Canada consistently responds to the needs of Afghan people, and its enormous support to WFP means we can feed hundreds of thousands of people, especially women and children," said Rick Corsino, WFP's Country Director for Afghanistan.

OTTAWA, February 6, 2008— Today, the Government of Canada announced new funding to support a joint appeal from the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations (UN) to help Afghans address rising food costs.

“Canada is providing $10 million to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to help more than 2.5 million people in the country now facing food shortages as a result of rising food prices,” said the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation. “Canada’s support will go a long way towards helping address this immediate need and to alleviating some of the hardships being caused by the harsh winter conditions this season.”

In January, the UN, together with the Government of Afghanistan, launched a worldwide appeal for additional funds to address food shortages expected as a result of price increases. The cost of wheat flour has risen by an average of nearly 60 percent. This is making it difficult for Afghans to meet their most basic needs, particularly during the harsh winter months.

“Canada consistently responds to the needs of Afghan people, and its enormous support to WFP means we can feed hundreds of thousands of people, especially women and children,” said Rick Corsino, the WFP’s Country Director in Afghanistan. “With global food prices, particularly wheat, rising to all-time highs in the last 12 months, this contribution is greatly needed.”

Today’s announcement is in addition to the $25 million announced by Minister Oda last October in Kandahar, and demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to providing basic needs to Afghans and their families. This new funding will also contribute to results being achieved in the country. In 2007 alone, more than 200,000 metric tonnes of food were distributed to an estimated reach of more than 6 million people across the country. In addition to addressing emergency humanitarian needs, Canada’s support to the WFP also includes assistance for community-improvement projects and literacy programs. For example, in Kandahar province, through the Food-for-Work Programme, more than 125 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated, more than 30 wells and more than four million cubic metres of irrigation canals rehabilitated. Through the Food-for-Education Programme, up to 200 teachers have received training, more than 200 literacy courses are underway, and more than 5000 students have received books and materials.

http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cidaweb/acdicida.nsf/En/JOS-26153637-S6Y

OTTAWA — The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, accompanied by Afghanistan Ambassador Omar Samad, and Mr. John Flanagan, Acting Director, United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), today announcedd today that that the Government of Canada is continuing its role as a lead supporter of mine action in Afghanistan by contributing $80 million over four years to help the country address the issues of mines.

This announcement coincides with the ten-year anniversary of the Convention on the Prohibition on the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and Their Destruction, known as the Ottawa Convention.

Canadians can be proud that our country continues to show international leadership in helping to clear land mine areas,” said Minister Oda. "We do so because clearing land mine areas is essential to the prosperity of communities – to protect individuals and their families from the dangers of land mines, and to make land safe for useful activities like farming and housing and commerce."

Funding, administered through UNMAS, will support the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA), the UN body responsible for the oversight and coordination of mine action activities on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan. Priority activities include surveying, clearing, mine risk education and victim assistance in communities listed as high risk or with the highest numbers of casualties.

“The Government of Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), has been one of the pivotal supporters of mine action in Afghanistan,” said Mr. Flanagan. “Canada has played an enormous role in the progress made in overcoming the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), and this ongoing commitment is greatly appreciated.”

Canada is the principal donor for demining activities in Afghanistan. So far, the average number of monthly victims has decreased by 55%, and more than one billion square metres of land—equal to 175,000 football fields—have been cleared of mines.

Today’s announcement builds on the significant announcement made by this Government in February 2007, in which we contributed $8.8 million for demining activities in Afghanistan. Canada is proud to be a leading contributor in Afghanistan, with our commitment to invest more than $1 billion over 10 years in Afghanistan and improve governance, security and development.

Hon. Minister Oda,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

J’ai l’honneur de vous joindre aujourd’hui à Ottawa, au Musée Canadien de la guerre, alors que nous commémorons le 10eme anniversaire de la traite d’Ottawa sur les mines antipersonnel ici et a travers le monde.

TR [ I have the honor to join you today in Ottawa, at the Canadian Museum of War, as we celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty or the Mine Ban Treaty here and across the world.]

Certes, ce jour commémorative est d’une importance capitale pour l’humanité et représente surtout une opportunité de se rappeler des victimes de mines et aussi d’apprécier la bravoure des démineurs dans leur travail. Cette journée nous permet aussi de saluer les ONG spécialisées, les Nations Unis et les pays donateurs comme le Canada qui continue a jouer un rôle exemplaire et avant garde sur le plan globale envers l’élimination des mines, et maintenant aussi, des bombes a fragmentations.

[Certainly, this day of commemoration is of high importance for humanity as a whole, as it represents especially an opportunity to remember all the victims of mines and also to appreciate the bravery of the deminers in their hazardous line of work. This day also is an occasion to salute the specializing NGOs, the UN and contributing nations, like Canada, that continue to play an exemplary and leading role on the global scale towards the elimination of all mines, and now also the deadly cluster bombs.]

Nos progrès en Afghanistan dans les quatre dernières années sont en grande partie grâce au support important du Canada et d’autre donateurs dans le secteur d’action anti-mine.

[The progress made in Afghanistan over the past four years are to a large extent due to the significant support provided by Canada and other donors in the area of anti mine action.]

Honorable Minister,

Canada should be proud of its leading role in helping us eliminate to date almost half a million antipersonnel mines stockpiled in Afghanistan. Afghans are very thankful for your past contributions and those of our other friends. However, your generous increase announced today to provide multiyear support through CIDA to make Afghanistan a mine-free nation by 2013 is a major step that is not only warmly welcomed by all Afghans, but is, once again, a testimony to your country’s strong friendship and commitment to help us rid Afghanistan of a ghastly symbol of warfare and human suffering. I thank you for this strong Canadian pledge.

As we tackle the various layers of damage from the past, and current gigantic rebuilding tasks, we are reminded every day in Afghanistan that children and adults alike continue to fall victim to various types of explosive devices strewn across the valleys, fields, mountains and villages of our country. Today, even your brave soldiers and others, serving in Afghanistan as part of ISAF/NATO contingents, are targeted by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted to cause serious injury or death. The number of mines and other devices and their locations are not known unfortunately, but it is evident that not only do they devastate human lives, families and communities, but also hamper our joint efforts to promote development and security.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite the achievements, more than four million Afghans living in more than 2,300 mined communities today are struggling to cope with this daily menace. In order to better express the Afghan context, both in terms of achievements and remaining challenges, I am very happy today to be joined by our former Deputy Minister and colleague at the Foreign Ministry, a strong advocate for landmine action in Afghanistan, Dr. Haider Reza, who has traveled all the way from Kabul to commemorate this important anniversary in Ottawa… and seems to also have brought a large amount of snow with him last night.

Dr. Reza is Director of the UN Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan, and a medical doctor by profession, who spent years in Afghanistan’s war zones treating victims and the injured. He brings a unique perspective about this issue, and I am pleased to welcome him. Dr. Reza.

Merci.

Québec — The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, announced today that Canada will provide additional support to promote the rule of law and an effective justice system in Afghanistan, by providing $8 million for new projects being implemented by the International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association (ICDAA), Rights & Democracy and CANADEM.

"Today, Canada's New Government is partnering with trusted organizations to help Afghanistan make crucial legal reforms and build a sustainable foundation for the promotion of justice and the rule of law," said Minister Verner. "Canada's funding will help extend the scope of legal-judicial reform in Afghanistan to reach the most disadvantaged, including women and some of the most vulnerable elements of society."

The ICDAA, in collaboration with the International Legal Foundation-Afghanistan (ILF-A), has been providing legal aid services to Afghanistan's poor since 2003. With the $2.9 million announced today, the ICDAA and ILF-A will create a nationalized, Afghan-run legal aid service provider that can operate independently. Funding will also help the organizations engage the Afghan Ministry of Justice to develop a national policy on legal aid.

Canada's contribution of $5 million to Rights & Democracy will help implement a key project to promote legal and policy reforms necessary to improve the status of women by mobilizing opinion leaders, advocates and public authorities in both urban and rural areas on a range of women rights and family law issues. The project will seek to build local capacity to conduct research, advocate for family law reform and help raise public awareness.

Finally, the $680,000 disbursed to CANADEM will assist in the ongoing deployment of an Advisor who provides strategic advice to the Afghan Ministry of Interior (MOI) regarding the enhancement of the role and representation of female police officers in both the MOI and the Afghan National Police. The Advisor will help develop and replicate family response units within police stations and develop a training program for female police officers to patrol women's parks.

Today's announcement builds on the progress achieved at the Conference on the Rule of Law in Afghanistan, held in Rome on July 2 and 3, 2007, where Canada announced over $30 million in funds and projects to strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan. At this conference, representatives of the Afghan government and international community met to discuss the adoption of a comprehensive and coherent approach for strengthening justice and the rule of law in Afghanistan.

The Afghan government's commitment to enhancing justice and the rule of law is enshrined in the country's National Development Strategy and is also an important strategic focus of Government of Canada programming. Since 2002, Canadian diplomats, corrections officers, police and justice experts have provided assistance to the Afghan justice system to help establish rule of law as well as international human rights standards and practices.

The more than $8 million announced today is part of Canada's total contribution of more than $1 billion over 10 years aimed at governance, security and reconstruction in Afghanistan. For more information on Canada's programming in Afghanistan, please refer to CIDA's website at http://www.cida.gc.ca/afghanistan-e .

Remarks By Amb. Samad

Delivered by Consul Gen. Mr. W. Monawar

Honorable Minister Verner,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very happy to be in historic Quebec city today to welcome three new Canadian initiatives to help Afghanistan in the fields of rule of law and governance. Unfortunately, Ambassador Samad was unable to attend because of prior commitments in Ottawa, but he asked me to convey this message on behalf of the Afghan people and our government:

As you know, the rebuilding effort in Afghanistan is not only limited to the security mission or to building schools and roads, but touches upon all facets of nation and state building. This means rule of law, governance, human rights, democratization, infrastructure, de-mining, counter-narcotics and institution building among many others.

These efforts are not only being implemented by the government, but also by the private sector including NGOs and civil society who play an important role in creating public-private partnership opportunities.

No activity would be possible under current conditions without the serious engagement of the donor community. Canada has and continues to be a major contributor to Afghanistan in many of those fields. We thank you and value our strong bond of friendship.

Not only are we grateful for the critical role played by the brave men and women of the Canadian forces to stabilize parts of Afghanistan, and pay tribute to their sacrifices, but also for all others who help in the civilian sectors.

Today, we thank you for announcing three new initiatives spearheaded by Canadian NGOs that will be welcomed by our people. Each initiative will go a long way to build up institutions and capacities to defend the rights and improve the lives of Afghans, in particular those of the women of my country.

We thank Canada and your government for this announcement today and wish the NGOs success and stand ready to facilitate their work.

Honorable Ministre Verner,

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Je suis très heureux de me retrouver aujourd’hui dans la ville historique du Qebec afin de saluer les trois nouvelles initiatives Canadiennes d’aider l’Afghanistan dans le domaine de l’état de droit et de la gouvernance. Malheureusement, l’Ambassadeur Omar Samad n’a pu être parmi nous aujourd’hui en raison d’un engagement pris antérieurement à Ottawa, cependant il m’a demandé de vous transmettre ce message au nom du Peuple Afghan et de notre gouvernement.

Comme vous le savez, l’effort de la reconstruction de l’Afghanistan n’est pas seulement limité à la mission de sécurité  où à la construction d’écoles et de routes mais il touche aussi toutes les facettes de la reconstruction de la nation et de l’état; c'est-à-dire, l’état de droit, la gouvernance, les droits de l’homme, la démocratisation, les infrastructures, le déminage, la lutte contre les narcotiques, et la reconstruction de nos institutions parmi tant d’autres.

Ces efforts ne sont pas seulement mis en œuvre par le gouvernement mais aussi par le secteur privé ainsi que les ONG et la société civile qui jouent un rôle important dans la création d’opportunité de partenariat entre le public et le privé.

Aucunes activités ne seraient possibles dans les circonstances actuelles sans le sérieux de l’engagement de la communaute internationale. Le Canada a été et continue d’être un contributeur majeur de l’Afghanistan dans la plupart de ces domaines. Nous tenons à vous remercier et à vous exprimer l'importance que nous accordons à l’intensité de votre amitié.

Non seulement nous vous sommes reconnaissants pour le rôle important rempli par les braves hommes et femmes des forces canadiennes qui contribuent à la stabilisation de certaines parties de l’Afghanistan mais nous rendons aussi hommage à leurs sacrifices et à ceux qui aide dans les secteurs civil.

Aujourd’hui, nous vous remercions pour l’annonce de ces trois nouvelles initiatives menées par les ONG canadiennes et qui seront bien accueillies par notre people. Chaque initiative va contribuer à renforcer nos institutions et notre capacité  à défendre les droits et à améliorer la vie des Afghans, en particulier celle des femmes Afghanes.

Nous remercions le Canada ainsi que votre gouvernement pour l’annonce faite aujourd’hui et nous souhaitons à ces ONG  un grand succès et restons disposés à faciliter leur travail.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will be contributing up to $2 million to provide immediate relief to the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan affected by the recent storms and floods. This humanitarian aid will be provided through trusted international and local partners involved in the response.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by the flooding,” said Minister MacKay. “Ensuring their safety and responding to their basic human needs is important to the Government of Canada. We have been in close contact with the governments of these countries and with humanitarian partners to determine the best way for Canada to assist.”

“By helping to support the necessities of life, Canada is ensuring that the basic needs of the people affected by the storms are being met so they can begin rebuilding their lives,” said Minister Verner. “This new funding builds on existing Canadian humanitarian programs. For instance, in Afghanistan, food and other immediate relief is already being provided through existing agreements with the World Food Programme and UNICEF.”

A tropical storm and heavy rainstorms hit Pakistan, Afghanistan and India over the past 10 days, and over 600 people have died as a result of flooding and landslides. Pakistan has been most seriously affected, with an estimated 1.5 million people affected by the storms, including 250,000 left homeless. The latest reports show that over 700,000 people have been affected in India. The Indian government has not requested international assistance. In Afghanistan, flash floods and landslides killed more than 60 people and affected hundreds of families.

Local authorities and international organizations continue to evaluate the damage and the needs of those affected by the disaster. Canada may adjust its contribution as needs in the affected areas are assessed.

At this point, there are no reports of Canadians injured or killed by the storms

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, represented by the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Minister for Sport, today announced over $30 million in funds and projects to strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan.

Today’s announcements, made at the Conference on the Rule of Law in Afghanistan in Rome, Italy, include the following:

- a minimum of $10 million a year, over the next three years, for strengthening the rule of law in Afghanistan, including a newly launched program to train judges and prosecutors and informal dispute resolution leaders throughout Kandahar province;

- up to $1.2 million for the construction of three Afghan National Police substations in Kandahar province, in addition to three substations recently funded and constructed by the Department of National Defence; and

- support for enhancing the presence of Correctional Services Canada in Afghanistan.

Canada also announced its strong support for an Afghan and international effort to coordinate justice sector activity in Afghanistan’s 34 provinces through the creation of a Provincial Justice Coordination Mechanism (PJCM). Composed of a central office in Kabul and eight regional offices in key population centres, the PJCM will serve as a framework to systematically expand the rule of law beyond Kabul and into the provinces to ensure that justice programs are effectively implemented. Canada stands ready to support this mechanism by funding a rule of law expert in the Kandahar City regional office.

These announcements build on measures announced in the past year by the Government of Canada, including the deployment of civilian and military police trainers at the national, regional and provincial levels; a $37 million contribution to the United Nations Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan, and $10 million to the UN Reforming the Justice System Program and the International Development Law Organization’s Strengthening the Rule of Law in Afghanistan Program. Last month, Prime Minister Harper announced Canada’s extensive participation in the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan and the creation of an in-service police training facility in Kandahar.

Canada has been active in the promotion of the rule of law, with a view to strengthening Afghan capacity, enhancing access to justice, and protecting and promoting human rights. Establishing the rule of law is integral to rebuilding Afghanistan and promoting peace, stability and democracy. Canada will continue to play an active role in empowering Afghans to build institutions that will foster good governance and the rule of law.

Backgrounder

FUNDING ANNOUNCED AT THE CONFERENCE ON THE RULE OF LAW IN AFGHANISTAN IN ROME, ITALY

The funds and projects announced today are provided by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, the Department of National Defence, and Public Safety Canada.

Canada will provide a minimum of $10 million a year, over the next three years, for strengthening the rule of law in Afghanistan. As part of this commitment, we have just launched a $175,000 project to help the Office of the Chief Prosecutor to train judges and prosecutors in Kandahar City and to train informal dispute resolution leaders in Kandahar's 17 districts. This project will also involve establishing two legal resource offices in Kandahar. Also as part of this commitment, we have signalled our intention to support international efforts to coordinate justice sector programming in Afghanistan's provinces through a proposed Provincial Justice Coordination Mechanism (PJCM). The PJCM will serve as a framework to systematically expand the rule of law beyond Kabul and into the provinces. Canada stands ready to support this mechanism with a rule of law expert in Kandahar. Canada's Minister of International Cooperation will make additional announcements in the coming days regarding our efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan.

Canadian assistance in the area of justice sector reform in Afghanistan has included training for judges, prosecutors, public defenders and court administrators. We have provided almost $10 million to support the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Reforming the Justice System Program and the International Development Law Organization's Strengthening the Rule of Law in Afghanistan Program. Canada's efforts, rooted in the protection and promotion of human rights, include support to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and support for the human rights of women, notably through family law reform. Canada is also a staunch supporter of Afghanistan's transitional justice action plan: Peace, Reconciliation and Justice.

In June, Prime Minister Harper announced Canada's extensive participation in the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan and the creation of an in-service police training facility in Kandahar. Today's announcement will provide approximately $1.2 million for three additional Afghan National Police Substations in Kandahar province to augment the three substations recently constructed and funded by the Department of National Defence. This infrastructure will provide increased capacity to stabilize the province and help build public confidence in the police. Canada's comprehensive approach to police reform has also involved a $37 million commitment to the UNDP Law and Order Trust Fund, and the deployment of civilian and military police trainers and mentors at national, regional and provincial levels.

Canada has deployed Correctional Service of Canada advisers to both the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in Kabul and our Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar to help establish a professional prison service that respects the rule of law and international human rights standards and practices. Because Canada strongly believes in this aspect of justice and security sector reform, we intend to build on the work already under way in Kandahar by increasing our commitment in this area in the near future.

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

613) 995-1874

http://www.international.gc.ca

Minister Verner made the announcement in Afghanistan while assessing progress made since her visit last October.

"Canada's contribution to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan is improving the daily lives of many thousands of its citizens," Minister Verner said. "We strongly support the Government of Afghanistan in its efforts to provide greater opportunities for women in areas such as education and health, and in giving women a greater voice in decision-making."

The funding will be allocated as follows:

• Up to $5 million to help the Afghan government create stronger programs dedicated to enhancing the role and voice of Afghan women. This includes establishing a Gender Studies Institute at Kabul University.
• Up to $4 million to support local initiatives proposed by Afghans that help create more economic and educational opportunities for women and girls. Canada's field staff in Kabul will administer the fund, and will emphasize projects such as Women's Entrepreneurship and career development skills for women, training and advocacy on eliminating violence against women, and education and literacy for women and girls.

This announcement builds on the support of Canada's New Government since 2006 to strengthen the voice and the role of Afghan women and girls, including:

• $14.5 million for a Girls' Education Project and to train new teachers;
• $5 million for integrating Afghan women into markets;
• $1.75 million to support maternal health and women's literacy in Afghanistan's Kandahar Province;
• $16 million for a Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan to provide small loans and financial services to poor Afghans, particularly women.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced up to $200 million in additional funding for reconstruction and development activities in Afghanistan. The announcement was made following a meeting with Christopher Alexander, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Afghanistan.

“Taken together, the projects funded by today’s announcement will help build the peaceful, stable, democratic country the long-suffering Afghan people deserve,” said the Prime Minister. 

The funding, to be disbursed this year and next on top of Canada’s annual allocation of $100 million to development activities in Afghanistan, will flow to five priority areas: governance and development ($120 million); counter-narcotics ($30 million); policing ($20 million); de-mining ($20 million); and road construction ($10 million). 

During the course of his remarks, Prime Minister Harper highlighted to Canadians that security is a necessary precondition for reconstruction.  “Our government would not have been able to make these much-needed investments in Afghanistan’s future were it not for the success of NATO and Afghan troops in beating back Taliban insurgents,” said the Prime Minister.  “Through today’s announcement, we’re consolidating and enhancing the gains that have been made on the ground.” 

Canada is among the leading nations involved in Afghanistan.  In addition to helping secure the country from Taliban insurgents, Canada is also playing a key role in reconstruction, development, good governance, and law and order efforts in the recovering nation.  Later today, the government will fulfill a commitment it made to Canadians last spring when it tables a progress report on the mission in Afghanistan.


ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND

Today’s announcement was made in response to the recent agreement by the Government of Afghanistan and its international partners to proceed with more aggressive and determined rebuilding and development activities.  The agreement was reached at a January 30-31 meeting in Berlin of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) attended by twenty-three countries and international institutions.

Areas identified as requiring increased focus include, for instance, improved capacity for delivering government services in Afghanistan’s provinces and employment creation and an acceleration in the training of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police (ANP).

The JCMB is a high-level body that meets four times a year to oversee implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, which commits the international community (some 60 countries), along with the Government of Afghanistan and the UN, to achieve progress in three critical and interrelated areas of activity for the period 2006-11: security; governance, including the rule of law, human rights and tackling corruption; and economic and social development.

While there has been quiet but steady progress toward many vital goals contained in the Afghanistan Compact, efforts must be comprehensive and long-term.  The funding announced today will support the following:

Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) - $120 Million

The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund is a coordinated fund administered by the World Bank. It supports the Government of Afghanistan’s budget so that it can pay for day-to-day operations, including the salaries of teachers and health-care workers.  Canada’s contribution of $40 million for operational support will help the government administer necessary services to the people of Afghanistan.  The Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund also supports Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development work. Canada has dispersed $18 million for the ARTF since April 2006.

Canada will also provide the Fund an additional $55 million and $25 million respectively for two highly successful programs, the National Solidarity Program (NSP) and the Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA).  The National Solidarity Program, to which Canada has contributed $13 million since April 2006, is the Government of Afghanistan’s primary program for rural development.  It has been very active in Kandahar and encourages communities to select the projects which best respond to their needs.  The MISFA has allowed more than 300,000 Afghan clients, 72 per cent of whom are women, to start small businesses or purchase livestock in order to support their families. Since April 2006, Canada has disbursed $22 million in support of MISFA.

UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) - $27 Million

The mandate of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is to combat illicit drugs and international crime. The UNODC works closely with the Government of Afghanistan to support the Afghan National Drug Control Strategy and has taken specific responsibility for training the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan. Canadian funding will be used to: develop counter-narcotics law enforcement and judicial capabilities, so that traffickers can be apprehended and brought to justice; reduce the smuggling into Afghanistan of chemicals used to produce heroin; and help improve counter-narcotics cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours.

Counter Narcotics Trust Fund (CNTF) - $3 Million

The Counter Narcotics Trust Fund, administered by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), provides funds in support of the Afghan National Drug Control Strategy through improvements to Afghanistan=s law enforcement and criminal justice institutions and by improving regional cooperation.  Canada’s contribution will be used to help build Afghanistan’s counter-narcotics related institutions and ensure they reach the regions in greatest need, such as Kandahar.  Our new counter-narcotics funding complements the funding that we already provide in Kandahar province to support alternative livelihood projects giving incentives to farmers to grow legal crops.

Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA) - $20 Million

The Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan, administered by the UNDP, has been instrumental in putting in place a payroll system that, for the first time, allows police officers to regularly draw their full salaries directly from banks, rather than depending on unreliable and irregular payments. Paying police salaries regularly and on-time helps to improve the professionalism and retention rates of the civilian police, and reduce graft. This contribution is in addition to previous Canadian contributions of $19.8 million to LOTFA as well as purchases of winter uniforms and vehicles for police in Kandahar.  Our civilian and military police officers based at Canada’s Provincial Reconstruction Team are also playing an important role in the development of a more professional police force in Kandahar by training and mentoring Afghan police.

UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan (UNMAPA) - $20 Million

The UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan, one of the largest and most efficient mine action programs in the world, has been in operation since 1989. An average of 60 Afghans are killed or injured by mines every month, half of whom are under the age of 18.  Our goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate these losses.  Canada's latest contribution, in addition to the $13.8 million disbursed since April 2006, will be directed towards the UN Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan, which is responsible for coordination and oversight of all mine action activities on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan.  Current activities in Kandahar include minefield survey and clearance, stockpile reduction, mine-risk education, victim assistance and capacity building.

Asian Development Bank - $10 Million

Through contributions like Canada's, the Asian Development Bank is supporting the construction of Spin Boldak Road, a vital transport link between Kandahar City and Spin Boldak, located at the Afghan-Pakistan border. This road is an Afghan National Development Strategy priority and part of the “strategic transport link" connecting the ring road around Afghanistan with key border crossings to support legitimate, commercial traffic and security. Amongst other benefits, the road's construction is also providing much-needed employment and is benefiting the local economy.

For more information about Canada's reconstruction and development activities in Afghanistan, please visit:

The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will allocate an additional $16 million to Afghanistan's national microcredit program, the Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan (MISFA).

Valcartier, Quebec — The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will provide $8.8 million dollars for demining activities in Kandahar Province and across Aghanistan as well as $1.9 million dollars to promote community-led development in Kandahar Province. The Minister made the announcement during a visit to CFB Valcartier.

"Today, Canada's New Government is investing in two important programs that strengthen reconstruction in Afghanistan and ensure the Afghan people can live safely and prosper in a democratic and free environment," said Minister Verner. "We are investing in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOR) to open up more land for agriculture, pasture and housing. And our investment in the creation of 12 new democratically-elected Community Development Councils will lead communities to establish shelter, electricity, roads, drainage and sewers, and improve water and waste management services."

Canada's contribution will support activities undertaken by the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA) across the country, including minefield survey and clearance, stockpile destruction, mine risk education, victim assistance and capacity building and co-ordination. The objective of the UNMACA and the Government of Afghanistan is to reduce by 70 percent the land area contaminated by mines and UXOR - estimated at 720 million square metres - by the end of 2010. Over the past 17 years, more than one billion square metres of land has been cleared of mines and UXOR in Afghanistan.

A portion of Canada's funding, $3.8 million dollars, will support Operation Hamkari ("hamkari" being the Dari word for assistance and partnership) in the Kandahar districts of Panjwai and Zherai. Over a 12-month period, approximately 2.9 million square metres of contaminated land will be cleared, and 27,000 Afghans in the districts, including children and youth, will be educated about the dangers of mines and UXOR. Awareness and advocacy activities will also be undertaken to ensure social opportunities and equal rights for landmine survivors and people with disabilities.

In a separate initiative, Canada will contribute $1.9 million to UN-HABITAT's activities in Kandahar City. Working with the Afghanistan Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, UN-HABITAT will establish 12 new democratically-elected Community Development Councils (CDCs). It will work with these and existing CDCs within Kandahar city to empower communities to implement their own neighbourhood development projects. Some 6,000 households will benefit from this project which seeks to rebuild neighbourhoods destroyed by the conflict in Kandahar. The project will rehabilitate local infrastructure including shelter, electricity, roads, drainage and sewers, while also improving services such as water, health and sanitation, and waste management. In addition, infrastructure upgrades will create jobs.

Today's announcement is part of Canada's total contribution of nearly $1 billion over 10 years aimed at reconstruction, reducing poverty and strengthening Afghanistan's governance, all of which are key elements in stabilizing the country and the region. For more information on Canada's programming in Afghanistan, please refer to CIDA's website at www.cida.gc.ca/afghanistan-e

Montreal, Quebec — The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, accompanied by the Honourable Michael Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for Greater Montreal, today announced that Canada’s New Government will provide $1.75 million to UNICEF for two projects supporting maternal health and women’s literacy in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province. The Minister also announced a $11.5 million Accelerated District Reconstruction Program to speed up reconstruction and development efforts throughout Kandahar Province. The announcement was made during a press conference hosted by UNICEF Canada.

“Today, Canada’s New Government is providing two important contributions for Afghanistan that will improve the lives of Afghan women and ensure critical infrastructure is developed in Kandahar,” said Minister Verner. “Our contribution to UNICEF helps to address critical issues facing Afghan women: maternal death in childbirth, and illiteracy. And our significant investment in the reconstruction program will ensure the Kandahar region gets the infrastructure it needs sooner.”

Today’s funding will support UNICEF in establishing a residential obstetric care facility in Kandahar City as well as to expand its literacy program throughout the province.

Nigel Fisher, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, has previously worked on the ground in Afghanistan overseeing UN humanitarian operations. “The Canadian contribution announced today supports initiatives that are nothing short of vital. Providing mothers with the care they need to ensure the safe delivery of their babies, and supporting literacy and education initiatives for girls and women are two of the best investments we can make in ensuring the survival, health and well-being of women and children in Afghanistan.”

In a separate initiative, Canada will contribute $11.5 million, over two years, to the Accelerated District Reconstruction Program. This will help to speed up the construction and rehabilitation of roads, aqueducts, sanitation infrastructure, as well as refurbishing schools and clinics throughout Kandahar Province.

Today’s announcement is part of Canada’s total contribution of nearly $1 billion over 10 years aimed at reconstruction, reducing poverty and strengthening Afghanistan’s governance, all of which are key elements in stabilizing the country and the region.

2006-12-20 - (2006-43) News Release

Québec City — The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will contribute $4.5 million to UNICEF and $4 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to assist vulnerable families in Afghanistan's Kandahar Province.

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay began his final day in Afghanistan Monday with an announcement of millions of dollars to help pay the salaries of Afghan police.

MacKay, who arrived in the country on Sunday, ate breakfast with Canadian troops in the southern Afghan region of Kandahar.

He announced Canada would contribute $10 million toward regular weekly salaries of Afghan police officers in an effort to stop corruption and co-operation with the Taliban within the force.

"[P]roviding a national civilian police force with an adequate and regular salary is critical to helping restore security and the rule of law in Afghanistan," said MacKay in a news release.

"Our contribution will help further this objective, resulting in a more professional police force to better serve the people of Afghanistan."

A leaked U.S. government report in December said the U.S.-trained Afghan police force was riddled with corruption and incapable of carrying out routine law enforcement. Washington, which contributes $1 billion US to train the force, says the force has about 50,000 members, although the report said 70,000 were on its payroll.

MacKay also presented 1,500 new uniforms and 2,500 pairs of winter gloves as a show of support from Canada. Hundreds of new officers have graduated from police training since MacKay first visited Afghanistan in May.

MacKay visited Canada's provincial reconstruction team in Kandahar City to see how millions in Canadian aid dollars are being spent. By 2011, Canada will have contributed $1 billion to Afghanistan.

Comprised of military, civilian police, political and development experts, the team gives support and supplies to Afghan clinics, hospitals and schools. Following his Afghan visit, MacKay will travel to Pakistan to press President Pervez Musharraf to tighten border control.

Taliban insurgents and weapons regularly cross into Afghanistan from Pakistan. Pakistan recently said it may mine its border with Afghanistan, despite objections from that country.

On Sunday, MacKay visited a Canadian-funded vocational training centre in Kabul and spoke with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Québec City — The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will contribute $4.5 million to UNICEF and $4 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to assist vulnerable families in Afghanistan's Kandahar Province.

"Canada is committed to supporting Afghanistan in its efforts to address the basic needs of its most vulnerable citizens," said Minister Verner. "Today's contributions to UNICEF and the World Food Programme will improve the lives of tens of thousands of people living in Kandahar, primarily women and children, by providing food aid, improving health and nutrition, access to clean water and basic shelter."

UNICEF will provide some 20,000 families with non-food items such as tents, blankets and warm jackets which are very much needed with winter's arrival. With Canada's support, UNICEF will also provide health and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, as well as micronutrients for children and pregnant women. Through UNICEF, support will be given to the Public Health Department's measles vaccination campaign to immunize as many as 189,000 children. In addition, UNICEF, through the Afghan Department of Education, will procure and distribute education materials for about 40,000 students who are now going to school in temporary centres.

"Women and children in Afghanistan continue to face huge challenges to their health and well-being and children are still confronted with barriers to accessing a quality education," said Evelyne Guindon, Executive Director of UNICEF Quebec. "This Canadian funding for UNICEF's work to help conflict-affected families will allow us to greatly expand our humanitarian response within the southern region of Afghanistan, and we are grateful for this support."

The non-food aid focus of UNICEF's initiatives complements today's commitment of $4 million to the WFP to provide food assistance to about 31,000 families in Kandahar who have been affected by the conflict and by the drought. This funding is in response to the WFP's Drought Joint Appeal to help internally displaced people in Kandahar.

Canada's contributions today to UNICEF and the WFP build on existing initiatives to improve the lives of people in southern Afghanistan. In October, Minister Verner announced a $4.9 million emergency food aid contribution to the WFP and a $5 million contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to immunize all children in southern Afghanistan against polio.

Today's announcement is part of Canada's total contribution of nearly $1 billion over 10 years aimed at reconstruction, reducing poverty and strengthening Afghanistan's governance; all key elements in stabilizing the country and the region.

Valcartier  — The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, announced that Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will provide over $18 million to help Afghans rebuild needed infrastructure, improve access to basic necessities and strengthen democratic development.

"Afghanistan has made significant progress in its reconstruction, with Canada being a leading nation helping it to achieve this progress," said Minister Verner. "Because of the efforts of our troops and development workers, governance in Afghanistan has been strengthened and poverty has been reduced. It is through their commitment that Afghanistan will stabilize and become safe for reconstruction, allowing it to thrive without the oppression of the Taliban."

The funding announced today will improve the lives of Afghans throughout the country. Canada will provide:

• $13 million in additional support to Afghanistan's highly successful national community development program, the National Solidarity Program (NSP). The program gives rural Afghans a voice in their country's development through the election of Community Development Councils (CDCs). To date, over 13,000 CDCs have been established across Afghanistan, representing more than half of all communities. More than one-third of projects provide access to health care, clean water and education initiatives, improving the lives of thousands of Afghan families;

• $2 million to expand the positive results of the NSP to two more districts in Kandahar, namely Spin  Boldak and Khakrez; and,

• over $3.1 million in additional support to the National Area Based Development Programme (NABDP), which is led by the Government of Afghanistan. Working with Canada's PRT, the NABDP will construct or rehabilitate infrastructure in six districts of Kandahar province. The work will include bridge construction and opening of transportation and trade corridors. The improved access to markets, water and other basic services will enhance the lives of over 500,000 rural Afghans.

Today’s announcement is part of Canada’s total contribution of nearly $1 billion over 10 years aimed at reconstruction, reducing poverty and strengthening Afghanistan governance; all key elements in stabilizing the country and the region.

"All Canadians can be proud of our accomplishments in Afghanistan, such as ensuring young girls are able to receive an education in safety and security," said Minister Verner. "Our integrated approach of development, diplomacy and defence is helping the Afghan people stabilize their country, establish the rule of law, and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a haven for terrorists."

Ottawa – Afghanistan’s Ambassador thanked the Canadian Government for its announcement through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)on Thursday to allocate CAN$5 million to immunize over seven million children in Afghanistan. These funds will be allocated to the World Health Organization and UNICEF as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

While The Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, and Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Omar Samad, were participating at the opening of a photojournalism exhibit on Afghan women journalists at the University of Ottawa, the Afghan envoy used the occasion to express his appreciation on behalf of his government.

“Let me thank Minister Verner and the Canadian Government for the announcement made today to help us eradicate polio from Afghanistan,” he said.

The exhibition, "Voices on the Rise: Afghan Women Making the News", co-sponsored by the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Embassy of Afghanistan features the work of Afghan and Canadian freelance photographers whose photos demonstrate the changes taking place in the lives of Afghan women journalists helping to rebuild their country.

At the event, Minister Verner expressed satisfaction with the positive changes over the past five years, and promised to continue supporting efforts to empower Afghan women.

University of Ottawa President, Gilles Patry, also pointed to the accomplishments as well as remaining challenges as seen through the lens of photographers.

Amb. Samad warned that extremist and terrorist groups are making an attempt once more at curtailing gender rights in Afghanistan, but the strong will of the Afghans as well as the continued support of the international community will prevent a return to the dark Taliban times.

Exhibit curators, Khorshied Samad and Jane McElhone, whose efforts were instrumental in organizing the exhibit, thanked the contributors and all those who helped with the project. The photos exhibit will be shown consecutively at both universities till November 6.

Released by the Embassy of Afghanistan

October 6, 2006 - Canada

(2006-10-05) - (2006-28) News Release

Ottawa - The Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will allocate $5 million to immunize over seven million children living in Afghanistan. These funds will be allocated to the World Health Organization and UNICEF as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

"Afghan President Karzai asked us to help the people of Afghanistan by supporting the polio vaccination program when he visited Canada last month and Canada is answering the call," said Minister Verner. "Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, indigenous polio viruses have been eliminated in all but four countries around the world, including Afghanistan."

The GPEI seeks to eliminate polio so that no child will ever again suffer permanent polio paralysis. The conflict in southern Afghanistan has stymied vaccination of all children, resulting in a resurgence of the disease, especially in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. If left unchecked, polio could spread among millions of Afghan children and threaten to reverse progress in neighbouring countries that have already achieved polio-free status.

This announcement comes at a time when regular and costly polio vaccination campaigns must be carried out nationwide in response to an outbreak in the southern region. The GPEI will undertake this effort, targeting over seven million children between September 2006 and December 2007.

"Since 1988, the number of children paralyzed each year by polio worldwide has been reduced from more than 350,000 to less than 2,000 in 2005, but until polio is eliminated from every country, children everywhere remain at risk," added Minister Verner.

Afghanistan has made significant strides in its reconstruction, and Canada, through CIDA, is a leading partner in helping the Afghan people create an environment that will enable them to rebuild their lives and their livelihoods. Today's announcement is part of Canada's total contribution of nearly $1 billion over 10 years.