The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted two resolutions concerning Afghanistan, one of which extended the mandate of the special political mission in the war-torn country for one year.
According to Xinhua, Resolution 2678 extends the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until March 17, 2024.
It emphasises the critical importance of the mission’s continued presence and calls on all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders, including relevant authorities and international actors, to work with UNAMA to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel throughout the country.
Resolution 2679, on the other hand, asks an independent review of proposals for efforts to resolve Afghanistan’s issues.
The resolution requests that the secretary-general conduct and provide an integrated, independent assessment by November 17 after consultations with all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders, including relevant authorities, Afghan women and civil society, as well as the region and the wider international community.
The Council also requests that the independent assessment make forward-looking recommendations for an integrated and coherent approach among relevant political, humanitarian, and development actors, both inside and outside the UN system, to address Afghanistan’s current challenges, including those related to the humanitarian situation, human rights, security, and terrorism.
