Landmark constitution points Afghanistan towards
greater stability
03 March 2004
When Afghanistan's Loya Jirga, or grand assembly of
constitutional delegates, approved the new Afghanistan
constitution earlier this year, they called a new Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan into being. They also overcame
weeks of distrust and division, thereby
binding together the nation's mosaic of ethnic groups.
It's a historic achievement, a United Nations official
told CNN, which „represents the determination of the
Afghan people to see their country transition to a stable
and democratic state." According to
Warren Harrity, Head of Mission for UMCOR Afghanistan,
"This was a great achievement. While the constitution may
not please all parties, the great benefit of the process
to the Afghan people is its completion in a transparent
manner."
Afghanis now have the opportunity to choose their own
public officials through elections, a landmark event for
them because, as Mr Harrity stressed, "Afghanis have not
experienced a national election since the 1960s and this
is the first election in which women are eligible to
vote". He pointed out that self-governance is an important
foundation for the new constitution. "The Afghani people
have been a society of the 'ruled,'" he commented,
"whether through oppressive regimes or outsiders who have
tried to conquer Afghanistan." A town-hall-like structure
at the local level fits into the democratic process.
Community leaders serving locally will now be officials
selected by and accountable to the populace. The
constitution replaces rule by force with rule of law. Over
the past 24 years, rule by force
has disrupted the lives of Afghanis who
now yearn for peace. A modern police force and
court system will provide additional protection that few
Afghanis have experienced during their lifetime.
"People I have spoken to in Kabul are pleased by the
new constitution and pleased with President Hamid Karzai,"
Mr Harrity said. "Their greatest hope and concern is that
with a constitution in place and a legitimate government,
Afghanistan will be viewed as a nation among nations and
that they will have the support of friendly nations as
they struggle through the reconstruction process."
UMCOR projects in
Afghanistan focus on high-impact, transitional activities,
such as temporary and permanent housing, school
rehabilitation, agricultural programs, well
reconstruction and small micro-credit loans to underwrite
business start-ups. Beneficiaries are among the most
vulnerable residents, such as widows and war-disabled.
Finding a productive place in society for former
soldiers is also an initiative that, according to Mr.
Harrity, "is among the most important components for
durable peace and stability in Afghanistan." The program
emphasises vocational training and income-producing
opportunities. "We seek to assist the Afghan government in
this effort," he stated.
Mr. Harrity has headed the Kabul office since August
2003 and expects to open several new offices in
Afghanistan as UMCOR expands its levels of assistance
there.
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