NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has decided to extend the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until March 17, 2025, with delegates highlighting that cooperation with the interim authorities was vital to establishing long-lasting peace.
According to APP, unanimously adopting resolution 2727 (2024), the UNSC stressed the significance of the continued presence of UNAMA and other UN organizations, funds and programmes throughout Afghanistan.
Further, the UNSC called on all stakeholders to coordinate with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in the execution of its mandate and to ensure the security, safety, and freedom of movement of United Nations and associated staff across the country.
The UNSC also requested that the Secretary-General report every three months on Afghanistan’s situation and the execution of UNAMA’s mandate.
UNSC Renews Mandate of UN Mission in Afghanistan
Speaking after the vote, Japanese envoy Motohide Yoshikawa — Council President for March stated that the resolution confirms that UNAMA will remain equipped with a robust, sufficient, and flexible mandate as it tackles the multi-layered challenges and issues faced by Afghanistan.
Similarly, US envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that, by extending UNAMA’s mandate, the UNSC has enabled the UN to continue addressing the world’s priorities in Afghanistan, promoting stability, peace and facilitating talks among all political actors.
She underlined, however, the need to support efforts to restore the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans especially girls and women. She maintained that the people of Afghanistan deserve to see stability, peace and security.
Russian Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva stated that cooperation with the interim authorities is also vital to establishing a lasting peace in the war-hit country.
Chinese Ambassador Geng Shuang regretted that the resolution has failed to reflect the latest developments in the country, saying that — over two years after the withdrawal of foreign forces — Afghanistan’s overall domestic condition is stable.
However, the Ambassador said Afghanistan still faces economic, humanitarian, and terrorism challenges, and hoped that UNAMA will continue to play an active role in promoting development, facilitating regional integration and helping Afghans people build a better life.
