Scoop News: Helen Clark Issues Special UN Recognition Award

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark paid a visit to the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC. She is now the Administrator of the UN Development Program, which she has served for over two years. She gave a special award to the UNDP Country Office in Afghanistan - an organization which does extraordinary work at great danger and sacrifice. The award is named for diplomat Julia A. Taft.

Former PM Helen Clark has been awarded a special UN recognition. The ceremony was held in the Canadian Embassy, Washington. Ms. Clark is joined by Gary Doer, the Canadian Ambassador to the US. Image by Charles Sneiderman.

Helen Clark said the office conducted its work under "deteriorating security" and said the UN staffers are sometimes the targets of violent assaults.

There are fewer places where they can work with any degree of safety, but they are dedicated. They perform a number of functions, including helping to make the National Police more efficient by sending their payments electronically, rather than through direct cash payments. Their mission is to help the country "recover, rebuild,and reconcile."

The Afghan diplomats, and the others in the Embassy, know their future is uncertain. Some expressed concern about President Obama's upcoming address on troop draw down in Afghanistan. But, they continue their work, in the face of great turmoil and danger. That is the group Helen Clark came to honor.

Connie Lawn, at the Canadian Embassy in Washington.

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