Case: Afghanistan - Present and future

Through a comprehensive approach, Denmark supports the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact – the agreement signed between the international society and Afghanistan - in order to contribute to national, regional, and global peace and security and improve the lives of the Afghan people.

Although the situation in Afghanistan is still fragile and highly complex, more rebuilding and development has taken place in the last five years than at any other time in Afghan history.

The framework for stability
Stabilisation is furthered through the provision of troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which - under a mandate from the UN Security Council - is tasked with helping the Afghan government to spread its authority to the entire country. Denmark contributes to ISAF and, furthermore, Danish police officers provide assistance such as training the Afghan police, who are progressively taking over responsibility.
As a part of the British lead Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Helmand, Danish soldiers - with Afghan forces - aim to ensure the security and stability necessary for the Afghan government to extend its authority across the country and for the civilian reconstruction and humanitarian efforts to take place. In areas where it is impossible for civilians to work, these soldiers do the initial rebuilding.

Danish reconstruction efforts
By Afghan request, the Danish assistance is targeted at rebuilding the public sector, human rights and democratisation, education and improvement of living conditions for the rural population. Furthermore, Denmark is involved in alleviating humanitarian crises by means of emergency responses and mine clearance and assisting refugees returning to Afghanistan by vocational training and building of new villages.

Per capita Denmark is in the top 5 both regarding the number of troops and the civilian assistance. Some of the results so far achieved with Danish support are:

• 21 schools have been built
• 20,000 teachers have undergone further training
• More than 5,000 Afghan mine clearers have been trained
• Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan has more than 200,000 active borrowers of which 85% are women.

To sustain the progress set in motion, continued international focus and presence is needed. Great patience and long and laborious work is a prerequisite. Therefore, Denmark will continue its engagement for many years to come.

	A Danish reconstruction team visits a girl school in Chagcharan. Photo: PRT Chargcharan
	Danish police offers training to the Afghan police. In the photo, new Afghan police recruits prepare for morning assembly. Photo: Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin

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