Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

• In the area of culture, legal and policyframeworks, such as those guaranteeing respectof cultural rights for all Afghans, areweak and not comprehensive.• Most media infrastructure and equipmentfor both print and broadcast media are outof-dateor have been damaged or deliberatelydestroyed. State-owned media needsto be reformed in order to ensure that itpromotes democratic values and is editoriallyindependent of influences from variousinterested factions.• Media legislation that will provide an environmentin which a free, independent andresponsible media can operate has beendrafted. It will be passed through Parliamentin 2008. Despite some setbacks, theGovernment is determined that the freedomsthat have been introduced will remainand will be protected by appropriatelegislation.Policy framework: sector strategyCultureThe objective of this sub-sector to the ANDSwill be to establish a system that documentsand safeguards Afghanistan’s history and culturefor the benefit of future generations. Majorgoals include:• Establish an accessible and well maintainedcultural artifacts data base;• Plans will be accepted, and donors will beidentified, to establish regional museums;• Maintain Kabul museum and take measuresto establish thematic museums such asethnology, anthropology, science and technology,handicrafts and community museums;• The cultural artifacts collection held by theMinistry will be expanded;• Take appropriate measures to promote liveculture (Music, Poetry, Arts, Theater &Dance)In the longer term goals will include the establishmentand expansion of museums as well asthe protection of historical and heritage sites.For detail information refer to volume 2MediaThe contribution of this sub-sector to the ANDSwill be to ensure an independent, pluralisticand accessible media for Afghan men andwomen throughout the country which it ishoped will promote an open and democraticsociety. The objectives with respect to mediaare:• To establish legislation that will provide astable and predictable environment inwhich a largely private sector, independentmedia can operate;• Media will be employed as an educationaltool in addition to entertainment.Expected outcomes for the media sub-sector inthe short term will include:• New Media legislation will have beenpassed and Government and the Ministrywill successfully administer this legislationin an open manner;• A country-wide coverage of public Afghanmedia (radio and television);• An increased number of hours of publicbroadcasting, and improved quality ofprogramming;• Press freedom has been declining drasticallyin Afghanistan over the past 4 yearsand so the need to promote and protect theindependence of the media as well as ensurepress freedom is extremely important;• Press freedom is a fundamental aspect of ademocratic society therefore the Governmentwill work to reverse setbacks and ensurethat press freedom be protected bothin legislation and in practice. For detail informationrefer to volume 2YouthThe contribution of this sub-sector to the ANDSwill be to instill in young people a sense of confidencein a stable, prosperous and productivefuture in the country. In addition a Joint NationalYouth Program is now in the process ofbeing implemented. This program has beenproduced with inputs from eight Ministries ofthe Government of Afghanistan and sevenUnited Nations agencies is designed to increasethe participation of youth in governance, re-122Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS)