Norwegian Mission of Legal Advisers to Afghanistan (NORLAAF)
Styrkebrønnen is the task group from the Norwegian Ministry of Justice, which is deployed in Afghanistan following an invitation from national authorities. The aim is to implement a democratic legal, judiciary and correctional system in nations which have been through war or massive changes.
In general groups from “Styrkebrønnen” consist of people from the whole chain of justice in Norway. Lawyers, prosecutors, judges and representatives from the Prison Service take part in international missions. These operations can be bilateral, channelled through UN, OSCE or other international organizations. In the past, personnel have been deployed on missions in the Balkans, Georgia and Armenia. At the present time, there are personnel in Georgia, Moldova and Afghanistan.
Male prison in Faryab. Photo by NORLAAF, Ole Johan.
At present time NORLAAF has 6 persons on mission in Afghanistan. There are 4 members stationed in Kabul, whose main tasks are mentoring and implementing development programmes in the Counter Narcotics Prosecution and Court. NORLAAF consist of one lawyer, two prosecutors and a judge. Furthermore, there are two representatives from the Norwegian Prison Service stationed in Maimana, Faryab-province. These two (a man and a woman) are stationed in the PRT-camp in Maimana. Their mandate is to map, mentor and assist in the effort to develop the quality and human-rights situation in the prisons of the province.
Afghanistan is struggling with corruption, illiteracy and a changing security situation. The last issue is a huge challenge, but the Norwegian Ministry of Justice cooperates with the Ministry of Defence when it comes to housing, security and transport. In this way, the personnel have a more secure environment in which to perform their job.
Male prison in Faryab. Photo by NORLAAF, Karen Marie.
Illiteracy is a huge problem in Afghanistan and entails challenges in mentoring, training and education. It is also a major issue when working with the inmates of prisons. Literacy classes are important to ensure the inmates’ ability to support themselves after they are released.
NORLAAF is in a phase of increasing its effort in Faryab province working both towards the government, local authorities and the international community. Much will depend on the security situation in Afghanistan. Still, the Norwegian Government places great emphasis on strengthening development in Afghanistan, and NORLAAF is a part of that challenge.
For further information, contact: The Norwegian Ministry of Justice: postmottak@jd.dep.no
Norwegian Embassy