News (Consolidated) - UNSOM

HELMAND - As the new Governor of Helmand province assumed office today, he promised to maintain security and root out corruption. Speaking at a ceremony organized to welcome the new Governor, Major General Mohammad Naem Baloch, in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah, he also called on the local…

BAMYAN - Members of the civil society of Dai Kundi and Bamyan provinces engaged in a lively radio round-table discussion recently on the salient points of the law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW), plus the youth’s role in maintaining peace. Facilitated by UNAMA Human Rights Unit…

PAKTIKA - Afghan forces took charge of security affairs of Sharan, the capital of Paktika province, and six other regions as part of security transition from foreign troops. Speaking to the handover ceremony, attended by Governor Muhibullah Samim, deputy defense minister, ISAF representatives, local…

PAKTYA - A peace convoy involving senior Government officials, tribal elders, youth, civil society activists and journalists covered 55 kilometres and reached Zazai Maidan district of Khost province yesterday. The objective was to spread the message of peace among the youth. The convoy had started…

NEWYORK - World leaders, donors and experts today hailed a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to eradicate polio, as they gathered at the United Nations to celebrate efforts that have already reduced the incidence of the crippling and potentially fatal disease by 99 per cent around the globe. ( UN…

GHAZNI - The Ministry of Interior arrested three people and referred to the Office of the Attorney-General on the charge of flogging a 15-year-old girl in Jaghuri district of Ghazni province, said an official yesterday. The three people -- a mullah (cleric) who issued verdict of lashing the girl and…

GHAZNI - Minister for Information and Culture, Dr Makhdoom Raheen, said last week that the designation of Ghazni City as the Centre of Islamic Culture and Civilization will be announced amidst a ceremony in the first week of January 2013. While briefing the officials in Ghazni, the minister also…

BAMYAN - Civil Society and Human Rights Network (CSHRN) organized a one-day conference to highlight the role of women for peace in Afghanistan, yesterday. About 150 participants from Government authorities, civil society groups, women groups, non-governmental organizations, religious and community…

KABUL - Representatives of media watchdog groups in Afghanistan have expressed deep concerns over a decision of the Council of Ministers which asked the Ministry of Information and Culture to ensure that media don’t violate “national interests”. Media groups want more clarification on the term…

KABUL - With the aim of promoting creativity in Afghanistan and provide an opportunity for entertainment, the Afghan and international musicians and artists enthralled their audiences in the second Sound Central Festival in Kabul. The 2-4 October festival concluded in Kabul today. Besides Afghan…

KABUL - United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized a five-day training for senior staff at the Ministry of Interior on prevention and response to cases of violence against women in Afghanistan. The objective of the training was to raise awareness among the senior officers on women’s rights…

NANGARHAR - Asphalting work of a road in Angur Bagh area of Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province has been started with technical assistance from the UN Human Settlement Programme (UN-HABITAT). Of the total funding required to complete the Asphalting of 500 metres of road is US$ 50,600, of which US$…