Japan Allocates Over 4 Million Dollars to the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups

Japan Allocates Over 4 Million Dollars to the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups
19.06.2008 The Japanese Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr Katsuhide Ariyoshi and the Deputy Country Director and Officer in Charge of UNDP, Mr Ian Holland, held a Signing Ceremony for the Exchange of Notes this morning to provide an additional 477 million yen ($4.5 million) to Afghanistan’s New Beginnings Programme (ANBP) for the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG).

The funds provided by Japan on Wednesday will be used to disband illegal armed groups as well to assist in promoting community development to those districts that have complied with the DIAG programme. This donation marks the second contribution from Japan to ANBP for DIAG project, increasing Japanese overall total contribution for DIAG to over $10 million. Japan serves as the lead nation for DIAG following the successful Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme. Other contributing donors include the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and USA.

Japan has also contributed to other UNDP projects that address DIAG and Security Sector Reform including the National Area Based Development Programme ($15 million) and the Law and Order Trust Fund (over $20 million).

DIAG aims at supporting the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in improving human security through disarmament and disbandment of illegal armed groups and reducing the level of armed violence in the community. This programme also seeks to empower existing government programmes for socio-economic development to enhance stability and the promotion of good governance and rule of law which are essential and integral parts of Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan.

ANBP was established in June 2003 as part of UNDP’s support to Afghanistan’s government in DDR of the Afghan Military Forces in which Japan contributed over $91 million as the lead nation. Since the completion of DDR through ANBP, UNDP has also provided assistance to Afghanistan’s government in disbanding illegal armed group and destroying stockpiles of munitions.

<< | >>

Search for Jobs in:
Afghanistan Kabul Mumbai Dehli Karachi Islamabad Abu dhabi Dehli Singapur London New York Los Angeles Canada

British Leader, in Kabul, Pledges More Aid
Taliban bombs kill 59 at Pakistan arms site
Suicide Attack at Pakistan Arms Plant Kills 60 People
3 soldiers, 30 militants killed in Afghanistan
UK's Brown in Kabul for Karzai meeting
Sarkozy pays tribute to soldiers
17 Civilians killed in NATO-led Operation in Laghman
U.S.-led air raid said killed civilians, militants