§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be the ratio of police officers to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan staff, observers and officials; and whether they consider this local protection to be sufficient. [HL2639]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe UN envisages that a core of 2,695 UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan/Joint Election Management Body staff, together with up to 40,000 Afghan staff during the registration process, and up to 105,000 Afghan staff during the election will be involved in the conduct of the elections. An estimated 12,000 police will provide security for the registration process. 500 police have already received election training and have been deployed to support voter registration teams. 40 trainers from 20 provinces have completed their Train-the-Trainer programme, and the trainers from the remaining provinces will start their training next week. In addition, coalition and NATO planners are working with the UN to consider how they can best support the Afghan Government in providing security for the elections.
41WAThe deaths on 5 May of two British citizens working in support of the electoral process underline the importance of ensuring sufficient security is available, including through the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of militias and former combatants (DDR). This will be crucial to provide an environment in which credible elections can be conducted. We are satisfied that the Afghan Government and the UN are taking this issue seriously. Last year the UK gave over £2.5 million to support the development of a new national police force in Afghanistan; we are still finalising our plans for assistance to the police this year. Last year the UK gave over £2.5 million to support DDR in Afghanistan and this year we have pledged a further £2.5 million.