The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 by 51 different countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations between nations, to encourage social relations. progress, better standards of living and human rights. The UN has been and still is involved in numerous peacekeeping missions around the world, including in Afghanistan. The conflict in Afghanistan has lasted since 2001 and continues today with the help of 351 Australian soldiers. The catalyst for this conflict was the September 11 terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda. The United States responded to this terrorist threat with the launch of “Operation Enduring Freedom.” The UN Security Council has expressed support for the Afghan people's efforts to replace the Taliban regime, after being condemned for allowing Afghanistan to be used as a base for exporting terrorism and also providing a safe haven to Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda. The United Nations stepped up its efforts, providing more than 94,000 tons of food aid to 1.13 million people in 2000, while vaccinating about 5.3 million children against polio and providing support non-discriminatory education for more than 300,000 children, including home-schooling projects for young girls. The UN Secretary General then declared: “Our challenge is to help the Afghans help themselves”. He also said the country's reconstruction needs were immense. The United Nations has also supported other essential projects such as the reintegration of combatants, the revival of economic activity, a fairer judicial system, democratic institutions and mechanisms for pr...... middle of paper . .....re are but also humanitarian concerns which prove to be a permanent challenge. Due to the ongoing instability in Afghanistan, 124,000 people have been newly displaced from their homes and communities and the number of internally displaced people has risen to over 630,000. In addition, the Ongoing challenge Afghanistan's opium trade continues to be the Taliban's main source of income. Afghanistan is the largest source of illicit opium and heroin, and it is estimated that 90% of the global opium trade and 74% of the global heroin trade originate from Afghanistan. In conclusion, the United Nations has proven to be an indispensable asset in helping the Afghan nation rebuild not only its government but also improve the basic human rights recognized and respected throughout the country. Emily Everett