Not investing in Afghanistan could negate sacrifices: Ban

TOKYO: The sacrifices in blood and treasure over the last decade could go to waste without proper support for Afghanistan's civil society after NATO combat forces leave, the UN chief told a Tokyo conference Sunday.

Ban Ki-moon, who is among key global figures gathering in the Japanese capital for talks on a "Transformation Decade", said progress in security and broad-based development had been made, but remained "fragile".

"Failure to invest in governance, justice, human rights, employment and social development could negate investment and sacrifices that have been made over the last 10 years," he told the global donors' meeting.

"We must also not forget Afghanistan's humanitarian needs and its refugees."

"We must do more for the country's women and children, including girls' education and women's participation in the country's political life."

Sunday's meeting is aimed at plugging the gap between what Kabul gets from its barely-functioning economy and what it needs to develop into a stable country. (AFP)