Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

accountability mechanisms. We supported the ministry in introducing a range of
anti-corruption measures, such as a crime-stoppers helpline and mobile anticorruption
teams. Other steps, such as the payment of police through electronic
funds transfer to a personal bank account rather than cash-in-hand, have been
rapidly expanded. In 2010 we also provided support to the Major Crimes Task
Force, an investigative unit focusing on serious cases of corruption, organised crime
and kidnapping and the Anti-Corruption Unit within the Attorney-General’s Office.
Modest progress is being made, but this will be a long term effort.
A professional, well-trained police force is critical to ensuring that human rights are
respected in Afghanistan. That is why, in conjunction with the government of
Afghanistan and the international community, we are focusing efforts on the
development of law-enforcement policing skills; the institutional capacity of the
Ministry of Interior; and sustainable mechanisms to hold the Afghan police to account
for corruption and poor performance.
An effective police force, alongside the other Afghan security forces, will also help
ensure that communities are safe and secure, providing an environment where the
human rights situation can improve. There are still many challenges relating to the
integrity and professionalism of the Afghan National Police, but progress is being
made. In 2010, the size of the police force exceeded growth targets. More effective
training programmes raised standards of leadership and discipline and helped the
police to protect their communities better. Training programmes, which include
human rights awareness, became mandatory for new recruits. The minister of
interior has implemented programmes to improve discipline structures, including the
authorisation of the Afghan National Police code of conduct, and drug rehabilitation
programmes have been initiated.
We are a major contributor to the EU Police Mission to Afghanistan. We have 14
senior UK police officers in key positions, including the Deputy Head of Mission, and
lead the Mission’s work in Helmand. Our EU Police Mission contingent will soon rise
to 19, with five officers deploying to the new police staff college that will open in
2011. The Mission’s objectives include implementing an anti-corruption strategy,
strengthening cooperation between the Afghan police and the judiciary, and building
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