Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe members also recognized the vital role of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Members of the United Nations Security Council have emphasized the need to develop a political roadmap to achieve a stable Afghanistan, fully integrate it into the international community, and fulfill its international commitments.
In a statement recently released, the UN Security Council said that during a recent meeting on Afghanistan, members expressed deep concern over restrictions on women and girls, including the closure of medical institutes to female students. They urged the interim government in Afghanistan to lift these restrictions.
The members also recognized the vital role of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, emphasizing that efforts to resolve Afghanistan’s issues, including the Doha Process and regional and global peace, remain critical.
A section of the statement reads: “They underscored that dialogue, consultation, and engagement among all relevant Afghan stakeholders, the region and the wider international community, including through the Doha Process convened by the United Nations, is critical for a political settlement in Afghanistan, as well as peace and stability in the country, the region and beyond. In this regard, recalling its resolution 2721 (2023), they recognized the importance to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in a comprehensive manner. Also, they emphasized the importance of developing a political road map to be discussed with all relevant stakeholders, in order to achieve an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting its international obligations.”
The statement also addressed the Islamic Emirate’s treatment of women and girls, stating: “The members of the Security Council are deeply concerned with the continuing negative impact of the Taliban’s policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms on Afghanistan’s peace, stability and development and its people. Recalling its resolution 2681 (2023), the members of the Security Council emphasized the need to ensure the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan for the country’s future and long-term development and urged the Taliban to swiftly reverse these policies and practices, including the “vice and virtue” directive and the recent decision to suspend women’s and girls’ access to education in private and public medical institutions. Positive developments in this area are crucial for building confidence with the international community.”
The Security Council also reiterated that Afghan soil should not be used against other countries and urged the interim government to strengthen efforts in combating terrorism.
Political analyst Wais Naseri told TOLOnews: “If the right to work and education, participation in society, and the freedom of political activities are not guaranteed, no country in the world will recognize the Islamic Emirate.”
The council’s demands also included combating drug trafficking, eradicating poppy cultivation and narcotics production, and removing barriers to humanitarian aid access. However, the Islamic Emirate has yet to comment on the statement.