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Stabilisation

The primary goals of stabilisation measures initiated by Germany in Afghanistan are to create a safe environment, to improve living conditions without delay, and to strengthen the capacity of government and civil society. This includes support for parliamentary and presidential elections, for approaches to reconciliation, and for the rule of law.

The German government promotes the creation of a police force that is capable of maintaining security based on the rule of law. Security in Afghanistan can be guaranteed in the long term only if the country’s security forces are able to take responsibility for all their functions. The support offered by the German government therefore includes an annual sum of around EUR 60 million for the UNDP-administered Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA), which pays the salaries of the Afghan police force. The Federal Government also funds literacy courses for male and female police officers in addition to programmes intended to build trust between police and the community. Between 2002 and 2014, the German bilateral police project provided training to more than 73,000 members of the Afghan police force.

Complementary to strengthening state structures, stability in Afghanistan is pursued by supporting civil society. This includes promoting the rights of women, children and young people (e.g. in cooperation with Medica Mondiale or Save the Children). Approaches that contribute directly to a peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan also receive support.

Robust livelihoods are also crucial for stability in Afghanistan. In addition to projects targeting the development of basic infrastructure (administrative buildings and hospitals), the Federal Government promotes the rehabilitation of urban infrastructure in Kabul (the Gardens of Babur, Chihilsitoon Garden). Similarly, the areas bordering Pakistan and Tajikistan are specifically supported through infrastructure projects that will not only improve the quality of life in the region but will also foster cross-border cooperation and economic development.

Internally displaced persons in Afghanistan are trained in crafts and supported in building their own houses with local resources. Local authorities receive training in conflict-sensitivity and in the fair treatment of newcomers to avoid conflict between refugee and host communities.

You can find detailed information about our work in the priority area of stabilisation in the project descriptions and the ‘Stories’ section.

Our work in this sector

Improving Health Care Provision for the Afghan People Even though life expectancy in Afghanistan has increased, maternal mortality is still high. According to World Bank figures, there are 396 deaths per 100,000 live births. Infant and child mortality rates are also among the highest in the world. more

A Park for Peace in the Heart of Kabul War and civil war have destroyed much of the public infrastructure and many buildings in Kabul. The 12-hectare Chihilsitoon Park in the heart of the city and its 19th century palace, Qasr-e Chihilsitoon, have also fallen into disrepair. more

Living Well in the City Metropolitan areas continue to attract new residents. People move from the countryside into urban areas hoping to find better living conditions. The worldwide trend towards urbanisation has also reached Afghanistan. Forecasts predict that by 2060, half the Afghan population will live in towns or cities. more

Integrating Refugees in Northern Afghanistan The German government is helping the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations to provide accommodation and basic infrastructure in northern Afghanistan in order to facilitate the integration of internally displaced persons and returnees into host communities. more

Experts for the Reconstruction of Afghanistan Significant progress has been made in recent years in reconstructing Afghan ministries and administrative systems. Today, Afghan institutions are increasingly managing reconstruction and donor coordination themselves. more

Experts on Mining and Raw Materials Afghanistan is rich in raw materials. But so far the Afghan state has not succeeded in deriving substantial revenue from these mineral resources. One reason for this is the shortage of welltrained technical experts and managers in the mining sector. more

Citizen-Focused Policing At present, the Afghan National Police (ANP) are not fully able to perform their tasks of enforcing law and order and responding to citizens enquiries. Police work is made difficult not only by the tense security situation in Afghanistan. more

Basic Education for Police Officers Afghanistan is facing challenges in establishing the rule of law. Very few police officers are adequately qualified for their work, and the idea of responding to citizens’ needs still holds very little importance for the Afghan National Police (ANP). more

Cross-Border Development and Cooperation Life in the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan is difficult, not least because of the prevailing natural conditions. The landscape of north-eastern Afghanistan, where the country borders Tajikistan and Pakistan, is characterised by mountains, glaciers and gorges. People living further south, along the border with Pakistan, have to contend with the harsh conditions of steppes and deserts. Temperatures are extreme, with bitterly cold winters in the mountains and intense heat in summer in the steppes and deserts. more

Greater Stability in Northern Afghanistan Living conditions are difficult in remote northern parts of Afghanistan. Most inhabitants depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. There are few other jobs with better earning opportunities. more

Building for political stability Since the end of the civil war in Afghanistan, significant progress has been made in civil reconstruction in northern Afghanistan. Urgently needed basic services were created in the areas of education, access to water and medical care. However, state institutions are still barely able to provide the population with basic services and public care. more