Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) are at the heart of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission and embody a joint military and civilian approach to stabilising Afghanistan.
They are a combination of international military and civilian personnel based in provincial areas of the country extending the authority of the Afghan Government, supporting reform of the security sector, and facilitating development and reconstruction. Each is tailored to the prevailing security situation, socio-economic conditions, terrain, and reach of the central government.
UN Security Council Resolution 1510, adopted in October 2003, authorised ISAF to operate beyond Kabul in the form of Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRTs) and on temporary deployments. The PRT concept is central to the Afghan Government's wish to see ISAF influence extended beyond Kabul.
These bring together civilian and police experts, under the security unbrella provided by the military, to help extend the authority of the Afghan central government and help to facilitate development and reconstruction. PRTs also aim to support the reform of the Afghan security sector:
- disarmament and demobilisation of militias
- building an accountable national army and national police force under government control
- stamping out the drugs trade
- help build a legal system.
