Focus Afghanistan - February 2009

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Voices

"Canada's mission in Afghanistan continues to be transformed with an increased civilian presence and focus on effective national institutions and governance. We are working with our international partners, the Afghan Government and with community leaders to that end. Canada is committed to providing the support necessary to help the Government of Afghanistan build capacity and provide a better future for its people."

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs

In Focus: Strengthened Public Institutions

IDLO Produces Key Legal Resources for Afghan Justice Institutions

Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ron Hoffmann (left) and Afghanistan’s Chief Justice, Dr. Abdul Salam Azimi (right) participated in a ceremony on February 12, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan, to mark the occasion of the availability of the first Human Rights and International Law Terms Glossary available in Dari. Read more.

A year in Kandahar. Profile of Rob Cater, Correctional Service Canada

Cater takes time to meet with his Afghan counterparts almost every visit to the prison, to get a lay of the land before starting his formal mentoring session with Sarpoza’s guards. It’s been a busy year for all of them - training, physical improvements, and of course the June 13th attack that resulted in one of the largest prison breaks in history.
Read more.

What's New

Civilians get it too: Letter to the Editor, by Ken Lewis, Representative of Canada in Kandahar

I read with interest the Citizen’s editorial on the importance of diplomatic engagement and development in Afghanistan ("The Soldiers Get It", February 14th, 2009). Let me say that "The Civilians Get It Too". My colleagues in Afghanistan, both civilian and military, agree wholeheartedly with those who argue for a strengthened civilian effort in the country.
Read more.

Two Roundtables on Afghanistan Held in Ottawa

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, and the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, attend a series of roundtables on Afghanistan with Canadian aid organizations and members of the Afghan-Canadian business community. Read more.

February 2009

Feature

Canada’s Signature Project: Education in Kandahar

This episode looks at Canada’s efforts to help build, expand and repair 50 schools in key districts of Kandahar province and to build the capacity of the Ministry of Education to deliver quality educational services. Watch the video.

Reconstructing a Karez to Build Agricultural Capacity

Afghanistan is an agricultural country. Almost eighty percent of its gross domestic product depends on agricultural production. Without proper irrigation, it is difficult, if not impossible, to grow agricultural products. For the last several years, severe drought has damaged crop production and caused an economic recession. Read more.