A/RES/69/18 The situation in Afghanistan conflict and grievance resolution at the local level, and also encourages the international community to support this Afghan-led effort; Governance, rule of law and human rights 23. Emphasizes that good governance, the rule of law and human rights form the foundation for the achievement of a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, and notes the importance of building the capacity of the Government of Afghanistan to promote and protect human rights, the rule of law and good governance in an accountable and effective manner; A. Democracy 24. Welcomes the conclusion of Afghanistan’s presidential elections and the inauguration on 29 September 2014 of the new President of Afghanistan, which marked the first democratic transition of power in the country’s history, also welcomes the agreement reached to establish a government of national unity, emphasizes the importance of all parties in Afghanistan working together in order to achieve a unified, peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for all the people of Afghanistan, recalls the courage and determination of the Afghan people, who participated in the electoral process in large numbers despite threats and intimidation by the Taliban and other violent, extremist and terrorist groups, commends the Afghan National Security Forces for providing security throughout the country during both rounds of the elections, recognizes the role of the Afghan electoral institutions in conducting the comprehensive audit of the presidential vote, commends the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, United Nations agencies and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan for the effective and critical support provided to Afghan institutions throughout the electoral process, and acknowledges the valuable role of national and international observers; 25. Recalls the commitment of the Government of Afghanistan, reiterated at the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan, to strengthen and improve Afghanistan’s electoral process through long-term electoral reform, including by considering lessons learned in the light of previous elections, and to promote the participation of women in order to ensure that future elections will be transparent, credible, inclusive and democratic, and reaffirms that Afghanistan’s peaceful future lies in strengthened and transparent democratic institutions, respect for the separation of powers, reinforced constitutional checks and balances and the guarantee and enforcement of citizens’ rights and obligations; B. Justice 26. Welcomes the steps taken by the Government of Afghanistan on justice sector reform and the commitment to improve access to the delivery of justice throughout Afghanistan made by the Government at the Kabul Conference, urges the Government to implement the National Priority Programme, adopted in 2013, in a timely manner, in coordination with the relevant organizations and government departments, and urges the international community to continue to support the efforts of the Government in this regard; 27. Acknowledges the progress made by the Government of Afghanistan and the international community in devoting adequate resources to the reconstruction and reform of the prison sector in order to improve respect for the rule of law and human rights therein, while reducing physical and mental health risks to inmates; 8/21