United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

International Information

International Operation Name: United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

International Mission Name: United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

Mandating Organization: United Nations

Region Name: Asia

Location: Afghanistan

Mission Date: 28 March 2002 - 30 June 2005

Mission Mandate: UNAMA’s mandate includes promoting national reconciliation; fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to the United Nations in the Bonn Agreement, including those related to human rights, the rule of law and gender issues; and managing all UN humanitarian, relief, recovery and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan in coordination with the Afghan Administration.

Mission/Operation Notes: In early 2002, there were 16 UN organizations active in Afghanistan, working with Afghani and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). With the overthrow of the Taliban regime, the opportunity existed for a greater international effort to assist the Afghani people in reconstructing their shattered society after 23 years of war.

On 28 March 2002, the United Nations Security Council authorized the creation of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). UNAMA is responsible for the planning and conduct of all UN activities in Afghanistan. These focus on political affairs, and relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts in coordination with the Afghan Transitional Authority.

Officers from three countries, under the command of a Brigadier-General, form the UNAMA Military Advisory Unit (MAU). They are employed as military advisors to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General who has overall responsibility for all UN activity in Afghanistan. The MAU’s main work consists of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of over 100,000 Afghan soldiers from various factions. The MAU work with the Japanese-led International Observers’ Group to ensure the DDR process is fair, accurate and timely. The MAU also provide a liaison function between UNAMA and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Canadian Forces (CF) Information (ACCIUS)

Name: ACCIUS

Date: 28 November 2002 - 21 June 2005

On 28 November 2002, the Minister of National Defence announced that Canada would be contributing one senior officer to serve as the military advisor to UNAMA. The lieutenant-colonel departed Ottawa on 21 November, arriving in Kabul on the 28th. Canada continued to provide one officer at six-month intervals until June 2005.