UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Mission Extension Tomorrow

According to a report from the council, the draft resolution for UNAMA’s mandate has been presented without any changes to its duties and priorities. The resolution includes key topics such as human rights—especially women’s and girls’ rights—Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian situation, terrorism, drug trafficking, and the condition of internally displaced persons.

The report further states: “The draft resolution renews UNAMA’s mandate for an additional year without changing its tasks and priorities and also contains preambular language regarding several issues, including human rights, particularly those of women and girls; women, peace and security (WPS); the economic and humanitarian situations in Afghanistan; terrorism; drug trafficking; small arms and light weapons, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees; and the impacts of natural disasters.”

“The extension of UNAMA’s mission is beneficial for Afghanistan, as it serves as a gateway for relations with the United Nations and other countries. Given Afghanistan’s current global isolation, renewing UNAMA’s mandate is in the country’s best interest,” said Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat.

Despite Security Council members agreeing on extending UNAMA’s mandate without major changes, certain issues remain contentious in the draft resolution. These include development aid, Afghanistan’s frozen central bank assets, commitments, accountability, and environmental concerns.

“They should represent not only the international community but also the Afghan society and convey the aspirations of the Afghan people,” said Enayatullah Hammam, an international relations analyst.

The Islamic Emirate has yet to respond to the matter. However, it previously deemed last year’s UNAMA mission in Afghanistan as ineffective.