Peace-Building and Reconstruction Missions

Afghanistan

CSC’s Engagement in Afghanistan

CSC’s September 2002 assessment of the Afghan Correctional System, in conjunction with Justice Canada, identified a number of areas requiring significant intervention, from both security and human rights standpoints.

Since that time, the Service’s contribution to reconstruction and development in Afghanistan has grown significantly.  In fact, to date, over 30 CSC staff members have been involved in CSC’s dual engagement in Afghanistan.  Both engagements continue to be funded by the Global Peace and Security Fund, which is managed by DFAIT.

1. UNAMA

On March 28th, 2002, by its resolution 1401, the United Nations Security Council established the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
UNAMA's mandate includes: promoting national reconciliation; fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to the United Nations in the Bonn Agreement, including those related to human rights, the rule of law and gender issues; and, managing all UN humanitarian, relief, recovery and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan. All of these activities are conducted in coordination with the Afghan Administration.

UNAMA's priorities are geared towards strengthening Afghan institutions and building the capacity of the Afghan Administration at all levels, including the development of institutions of good governance, of law and order, and of security.

Soon after the creation of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), a Senior Correctional Advisor from CSC was seconded to the UNAMA’s Rule of Law Unit.  At the outset, Mr. Drury Allen’s role was to lay the groundwork for the initial establishment of a functional correctional system country-wide.

The second Canadian Corrections Advisor, Mr. Gordon Holloway, began his tenure with UNAMA on July 3, 2004. His assignment built on the work accomplished by Mr. Allen and set the foundations for long-term development and capacity building in corrections. In addition, a needs assessment for Canadian long-term involvement in the Afghan correctional system was conducted in January 2004.

Mr. Brian Tkachuk took over for Mr. Holloway in August, 2005, as the third Corrections Advisor to UNAMA for a one year assignment. Mr. Tkachuk was instrumental in establishing the Consultative Working Group on Prisons and Detention Centres with regards to Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Prisons, Training, and Administrative Reform. The Working Group ensures coordination of activities and ensures that reforms are carried out consistent with UN and other international standards and principles for the professional, safe secure and humane treatment of offenders.

The fourth Corrections Advisor (2006-2007), Rick Reimann, reported to post in Kabul on September 2nd, 2006. At the request of the United Nations, Mr. Reiman's post was extended until March 2008. Dianne Livesey took over for Mr. Reimann in May 2008, as the fifth Correctional Advisor to UNAMA for a one year assignment.  Mr. John Reid, the sixth CSC Advisor for UNAMA, returned from Mission in April 2010.

To date, the correctional advisors have provided expert advice, guidance and assistance to Afghan authorities concerning development of a prison service. They have worked with Afghan correctional practitioners in such areas as policy and legislation, determination of capacity requirement, rehabilitation and establishment of facilities, capacity building and overall reform of the correctional service as part of the criminal justice system.

The Corrections Advisors in Kabul succesfully advocated for correctional institutions to be separated from the police function; corrections are now under the mandate of the Ministry of Justice. The Advisors have also assisted in drafting the 2005 Prisons and Detention Centre's Act, which is necessary to support the rule of law.

The Corrections Advisors were also involved with the 2006 Afghanistan Compact, which is a milestone agreement between the United Nations (UN), the Government of Afghanistan and the international community. The Afghanistan Compact is backed by the UN Security Council and based on the priorities and needs of the Afghan Government. The five-year plan sets clear goals and timelines in key areas of security, governance and development.

Moreover, the Corrections Advisors contributed to the Priority Restructuring and Reform process, which includes detailed organizational designs for every Afghan correctional facility and the Central Prison Department (CPD) Headquarters, and job descriptions and salaries for all levels of CPD staff.

2. Provincial Reconstruction Team

A key element of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan is the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kandahar Province.

In 2006, DFAIT requested CSC's assistance in the development of a plan for possible Canadian engagement in strengthening the Afghan corrections system and facilities in Kandahar. This plan was developed following an assessment conducted in theatre.

As a result of this assessment, CSC deployed Linda Garwood-Filbert and Ric Fecteau to the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in February 2007. In December 2007, Paula Milino took over the duties of the Corrections Component Director and Brent Houghton acted as Trainer-Mentor for a few months. In February 2008, Randie Scott and Rob Cater joined Paula Milino respectively as Deputy Director and Trainer-Mentor. The second Trainer-Mentor, Kevin Cluett, joined and completed the Corrections Team in May 2008.

These officers worked with front-line staff and administrators in order to improve security and make advancements in the general living conditions of prison facilities. The officers provided advice on infrastructure improvement and on equipment acquisition for the Sarpoza prison, which was in very poor condition. The officers also worked in collaboration with the United States' Correctional Sector Support Program (CSSP) to finalize the national training curricula.

Additionally, the officers conducted ongoing projects, mentoring and compliance review pursuant to the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners within Sarpoza prison. Some of the monitoring performed include: inmate registration, literacy capacity, inmate programs, medical treatment and compliance with United Nations Human Rights Standards, especially in terms of the proper treatment of women and juveniles. Some of the projects completed include: sewage removal and the cleaning of septic tanks, the provision of hygienic products, and the delivery of blankets and flashlights, educational toys for children, flashlights, looms for vocational training, and educational supplies.

The 2009 Corrections Contingent was headed by Bruce Megeney, and included Deputy Director Gail Latouche, and Trainer/Mentors Greg Hart and Rob Parker.  The team was able to make great strides in training and mentoring Afghan Correctional Officers, including female officers.  The 2010 team, which includes Director Terry Hackett, Deputy Director George Sproul and trainer/mentors Kevin Cluett and Dan Jack, will focus on the development of areas aimed at ensuring the sustainability of improvements to date, for exmaple, by implementing a “Train-the-Trainer” program that will ensure the perpetuation of newly developed skills within the system for years to come.

The implementation of this project will ensure that a long-term capacity will be developed within the Central Prison Department of the Afghan Ministry of Justice.

The results of CSC's contribution to date will become apparent in a few years and only if continued assistance is provided to the Afghan authorities to oversee the application and implementation of good correctional approaches, principles, standards and practices, which contribute to capacity building and sustainability in corrections.

Please visit our Articles and Related Media page to view published articles on CSC's initiatives in Afghanistan.

Please visit our Articles and Related Media page to view published articles on CSC's initiatives in Afghanistan.

CSC Participants