UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to immediately reverse their sweeping restrictions on women and girls, while also urging stronger action against terrorist groups operating inside the country.
The resolution, adopted on Monday, renews the mandate of the UN political mission in Afghanistan until June 2027. It also reinforces the mission’s role in supporting humanitarian assistance “without discrimination” and promoting inclusive governance with the full and equal participation of women, minorities, youth, and persons with disabilities.
China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong, whose country sponsored the resolution, said the objective was to encourage the Afghan authorities to take “more proactive measures” to protect human rights, particularly those of women, and to project openness, inclusivity, and responsibility.
The resolution follows reports of at least 30 women being detained in Herat this month for allegedly breaching the Taliban’s strict dress code. According to the UN mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, a rare protest against the arrests was forcefully dispersed, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban regime has imposed severe restrictions on women, including bans on education beyond primary level and limitations on employment, drawing widespread international condemnation. Minority communities have also faced increasing pressure under the group’s rule.
The resolution further tasks the UN mission with facilitating dialogue between the Taliban, regional states, and the broader international community to advance a political settlement.
US Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta said the Taliban must meet its counterterrorism commitments, uphold international obligations, end hostage-taking practices, and cease what she described as “unconscionable abuses” of women’s rights.
Pakistan also raised concerns at the Council, with its UN envoy Asim Ahmad warning that terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory continue to threaten regional and global security. Islamabad has repeatedly accused terrorist groups based in Afghanistan of carrying out cross-border attacks.
Dozens of casualties have been reported in cross-border attacks originating from Afghanistan into Pakistani territory, while further casualties have also been reported in Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes against Afghanistan, highlighting rising tensions between the two neighbours.
The resolution also authorises UNAMA to support Afghanistan’s economic development, including facilitating commercial and financial activity and assisting efforts to recover Afghan central bank assets for the benefit of the population.
