A/RES/57/113 A-B Afghan groups in Bonn, Germany, on 5 December 2001, 2 including the holding of free and fair elections for a representative government in 2004, Convinced also that political consolidation aimed at the establishment of a broad-based, multi-ethnic, fully representative and gender-sensitive government, which respects the human rights of all Afghans and the international obligations of Afghanistan and is committed to peace with all countries, can lead to durable peace and reconciliation, Welcoming the successful convening of the Emergency Loya Jirga, held from 11 to 19 June 2002, the election of President Hamid Karzai as head of State, by secret ballot, and the establishment of the Transitional Authority, and expressing its full support for President Karzai and the Transitional Authority, Welcoming also the establishment of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and the Judicial Commission, and recognizing that a functioning justice system and the accountability of perpetrators of grave human rights violations are key factors in ensuring reconciliation and stability and that the ongoing difficult humanitarian situation and the ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Afghanistan remain a grave concern, Taking note of the positive developments in Afghanistan in recent months, in particular the return of a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons, the progress in implementing education and health programmes, the establishment of the commissions mandated under the Bonn Agreement and the introduction of the new currency, Expressing its appreciation and strong support for the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General, his Special Representative for Afghanistan and the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, Reiterating that the United Nations must continue to play its central and impartial role in the international efforts to assist the Afghan people in consolidating peace in Afghanistan and rebuilding their country and its institutions, as well as in efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, provide for rehabilitation and reconstruction and facilitate the orderly return of refugees, Recognizing the need for continued strong international commitment to humanitarian assistance and for programmes, under the ownership of the Transitional Authority, of rehabilitation and reconstruction, and noting that visible progress in this regard can further enhance the authority of the central government and greatly contribute to the peace process, Commending the international efforts to help the Transitional Authority to provide a secure environment in Afghanistan, and stressing the need for a coordinated approach across all parts of the security sector and the importance of a national army and police force that are ethnically balanced, professional and accountable to legitimate civilian authorities, Welcoming in this regard the important role played by the International Security Assistance Force and its respective lead nations in improving security conditions in and around Kabul, _______________ 2 Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan Pending the Re-establishment of Permanent Government Institutions (see S/2001/1154). 2