The United Nations Security Council, on Monday, unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for an additional year, with the support of all 15 members. The decision was adopted amid discussions among Council members on Afghanistan’s political, human rights, security, and humanitarian situation.
China, the penholder of the resolution to extend UNAMA’s mandate, emphasized the importance of the mission’s continued presence in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to take further steps to protect human rights, particularly the rights of women. Beijing also urged full access for Afghan women working with the United Nations to their workplaces.
The United States supported both the extension of UNAMA’s mandate and a strategic review of its structure and functions. The U.S. representative stressed that the Taliban must fulfill their counterterrorism commitments, respect human rights, and end the detention of foreign nationals.
Russia also supported the extension of UNAMA’s mandate but stressed that any review of the mission should be conducted in coordination with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan and should focus on the country’s humanitarian and development needs.
During the session, concerns over the situation of Afghan women and girls were once again raised. Council members underscored the importance of women’s access to education, employment, and participation in society, calling for the lifting of existing restrictions.
Counterterrorism efforts, humanitarian assistance, economic crisis, food insecurity, and support for the Afghan population were also among the key topics of discussion. Members emphasized the necessity of UNAMA’s continued presence to coordinate international aid and engagement with Afghanistan.
According to the adopted resolution, UNAMA’s mandate will continue until June 17, 2027, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations has been tasked with conducting a strategic review of the mission’s activities and priorities, to be submitted to the Security Council by March of next year.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
