U.S. Allocates $268 Million for Afghan Justice and Counternarcotics Programs

Today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul, U.S. Embassy Coordinating Director for Rule of Law and Law Enforcement Ambassador Hans G. Klemm and Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Jawid Ludin signed agreements allocating $268 million for joint programs in rule of law, counternarcotics and law enforcement.  These agreements demonstrate the continuing commitment by the U.S. Government to partner with the Afghan people and their elected representatives to improve people’s lives in villages, districts and provinces across Afghanistan. 

The funds will be used to advance two major strategic objectives in Afghanistan.  The first objective is better governance through the improved administration of justice and enhanced rule of law.  The second is increased peace and security through curtailment of the narcotics trade and the resulting revenues that fund terrorist and criminal activities.  U.S. funds will complement Afghan government funding and will be utilized to support and expand current collaborative programs.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Ambassador Klemm said “it was his honor to sign the agreements on behalf of the U.S. Government” which will “build on more than four years of U.S.- Afghan cooperation in these areas.”   

Joint cooperation between the governments of the United States and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has already resulted in many successful outcomes.  Joint funding helped 270 female police officers to graduate from training and join the growing ranks of the Women’s Police Corps.  It also supported female police mentors at more than 30 Family Response Units in ten provinces, offering a safe place for women and families to report crime and receive mediation.  The Central Prison Directorate provided training for over 90 percent of Afghan prison personnel and alleviated overcrowding in 13 provincial prisons.  The funds have also supported the very successful “Governor-Led Counternarcotics Eradication” program allowing provincial governors to significantly increase poppy eradication activities in their regions. 

Deputy Minister Ludin expressed his appreciation for the U.S. contribution saying “progress in these areas is especially important for the citizens of Afghanistan as the country moves towards security transition.”

The current $268 million in funding will go towards the continued support of programs like these to create security and stability and to ensure a brighter and safer future for the people of Afghanistan.