The United Nations Security Council is preparing to review the situation in Afghanistan amid continuing concerns over the humanitarian crisis, security threats, terrorist group activities, and restrictions imposed on women and girls.
According to the Security Council’s program of work, the body will hold a special meeting on Afghanistan on June 7. During the session, Georgette Gagnon will present the latest report of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on the country’s political, human rights, economic, and humanitarian situation.
Following the presentation, Security Council members are expected to hold a closed-door consultation to discuss the report’s findings and assessments.
The Council is also scheduled to decide on June 17 whether to extend UNAMA’s mandate. Members are widely expected to approve a one-year extension of the mission. China, which serves as the Security Council’s penholder on Afghanistan, is leading negotiations on the mandate renewal.
Reports submitted to the Council indicate that Afghanistan continues to face significant security challenges. Border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan during the months of Hoot 1404 and Hamal 1405 resulted in heightened tensions and civilian casualties. Although the intensity of the fighting has decreased, reports suggest that exchanges of fire and sporadic attacks continue in some border areas.
The activities of terrorist groups remain another major concern for the Security Council. Some members have called for further assessments of the security threats posed by these groups and their impact on regional stability.
The human rights situation in Afghanistan will also be a key focus of the meeting. The Security Council has previously expressed concern, based on UNAMA reports, about the conditions facing women, girls, and religious minorities.
UNAMA recently warned about certain new Taliban regulations concerning family and marriage matters, stating that they could have implications for the rights of women and children in Afghanistan.
The humanitarian crisis remains one of Afghanistan’s greatest challenges. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 21.9 million people nearly half of the country’s population will require humanitarian assistance this year.
Meanwhile, the large-scale return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan has placed additional pressure on Afghanistan’s economy and public services. The United Nations projects that around 2.7 million Afghan migrants could return to the country by the end of 2026.
The Taliban’s failure to comply with some of Afghanistan’s international commitments, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls, continues to be a major concern among Security Council members.
At the same time, divisions remain within the Security Council over how to engage with the Taliban. The United States has called for a review of UNAMA’s mandate and a greater focus on counterterrorism and security issues, while Russia and China advocate continued engagement with the Taliban and the continuation of economic and humanitarian assistance without preconditions.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
