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🇦🇫 Afghanistan /Elections & Politics

UN Security Council debates UNAMA's role, effectiveness amid calls for review

From Pajhwok Afghan News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Several countries emphasized the importance of protecting women's rights and maintaining the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during a UN Security Council meeting.
  • The United States called for a review of UNAMA's effectiveness and costs, citing its status as the UN's most expensive special political mission.
  • Russia stressed constructive engagement and praised UNAMA's approach, while other nations highlighted the need for a human rights-based approach and focus on women's rights.

During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, several nations stressed the critical role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the importance of protecting women's rights. However, the United States representative raised "serious questions" about the mission's effectiveness and costs, noting it is the UN's most expensive special political mission.

serious questions

— US representativeThe US representative stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s continued hard-line stance was prompting Washington to raise “serious questions” about the value of continued engagement and the use of international resources.

The U.S. representative suggested that any future renewal of UNAMA's mandate should improve its effectiveness and that all missions must deliver "real value for money." This stance contrasts with Russia's view, which emphasized "constructive engagement" and praised UNAMA's "mosaic approach." Russia highlighted the mission's work on issues like sanctions relief, counter-terrorism, and human rights support, while also criticizing some Western countries for repeating past mistakes.

Other countries, including Greece, Colombia, Panama, and Denmark, voiced support for UNAMA's presence, emphasizing its role in facilitating dialogue, supporting the Afghan people, and coordinating international responses. Denmark specifically called for the issue of women, peace, and security to remain central to the UN's engagement. Concerns about the situation of women's rights were also expressed by Bahrain, Britain, and Lithuania.

mosaic approach

— Russian representativeThe Russian representative praised UNAMA’s “mosaic approach”, which includes engagement with the Islamic Emirate on key issues such as diplomatic representation, sanctions relief, counter-terrorism and support for human rights.

On security matters, France noted the presence of "certain terrorist groups" in Afghanistan, a claim the Islamic Emirate has denied. Liberia, speaking for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia, stated that Afghan territory should not be used by "transnational terrorist organisations," a point Afghan officials have consistently refuted.

certain terrorist groups

— France's representativeOn security issues, France’s representative said “certain terrorist groups” were active in Afghanistan, a claim previously rejected by the Islamic Emirate.
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Originally published by Pajhwok Afghan News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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