§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be their contribution this year to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for security during the elections and registration process. [HL2638]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)The death of two British nationals working to support the election registration process underlines the importance of security for the registration and election processes. We are working with the UN, coalition partners and NATO to consider how the international community can best support the Afghan Government in delivering this.
In addition, the UK has supported election security through our contribution to European Commission (EC) funding of the UN-administered Law and Order Trust Fund (LOFTA). Last year the EC provided 50 million euros to LOTFA, of which the UK contributed 19 per cent; and LOTFA provided £12.3 million towards security for voter registration and the elections themselves.
More generally, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is leading international support for preparations for elections. So far this financial year the Department for International Development has pledged £2.8 million to UNAMA for the elections. Last financial year the UK contributed over £10.4 million to electoral registration in Afghanistan. The UK is currently considering the 70WA budget submitted by UNAMA for the cost of the elections themselves.