1. INTRODUCTION

The fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 was an historic opportunity for Afghanistan to free itself from the yoke of more than 20 years of occupation, civil war and fundamentalist oppression. Since then Afghanistan has set the course for a better future with greater freedom, stability and welfare, with considerable support from the international community, including Denmark.

In spite of making progress, however, Afghanistan is still in a post-conflict situation with the risk of regression in the political transition process. The security situation remains unstable in large areas of the country, and the presence of international forces that further stability as well as extensive economic assistance will be necessary for a great number of years to come. The new democracy must take firm root and the illegal, armed groups must be disarmed. In addition, Afghanistan is facing great social and economic challenges to lifting the Afghan people out of poverty.

The Danish Government has allocated DKK 670 million for civilian reconstruction and humanitarian activities on the appropriation acts for 2005-2009. Development assistance is given to Afghanistan with the aim of supporting the building up of a society that is democratic and stable, creating improvements in the living conditions of the poor and respect for the rights of the individual, including the rights of women.

This strategy document aims to present the background for and main lines of Danish reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, and to present Danish efforts as a whole in Afghanistan in the 2005-2009 period.