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Afghanistan's New Beginnings Program (ANBP) is mandated through the United Nation's Development Program. It aims to reintegrate personnel from the Afghan Military Forces (AMF) back into society after more then twenty years of armed conflict. This is in accordance with the wishes of the Government of Afghanistan, the International Community and as set out in the Bonn Agreement. In October 03, ANBP commenced several pilot projects which rolled into a national program in May 04. The program disarmed, demobilized and provided funded personal reintegration options for all AMF personnel that voluntarily chose to participate. When the UN program closed to new personnel in July 05, 63,380 former officers and soldiers of the AMF voluntarily disarmed. 62,044 proceeded to demobilize and 60,645 choose a personal Reintegration option. The UN program concludedd in June 06. DDR, one of five inter related Security Sector Reforms, is closely linked to the other, but separate programs, addressing the cantonment of Heavy Weapons, Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG), the national Ammunition Survey initiative, et al. SSR meanwhile comprises: the creation of a new national army, modernization of the police force, reestablishing a judicial system and dealing with issues related to counter narcotics. Success of one reform is integral to the success of the others pillars which will collectively create the environment that will ensure long term stability and foster economic growth. |
