Fitrat: UN Should Make Decisions ‘Independently’

According to Fitrat, some countries attempt to create obstacles in this process. “Unfortunately, some countries create barriers in this regard. It is up to the UN to make sound decisions independently and not under the influence of major powers. If this happens, Afghanistan can regain its rightful place on the global stage and reclaim its seat at the UN,” he said.

During last night’s Security Council meeting, discussions focused on counterterrorism efforts, the formation of an inclusive government, and the protection of human rights in Afghanistan. Representatives from Russia, China, Pakistan, the United States, and other countries called for concrete actions by the caretaker government in the fight against terrorism.

Dorothy Shea, the U.S. representative to the UN, said: “We are also concerned about the transnational threat posed by ISIS-K. We call on the Taliban to abide by their counterterrorism commitments. The Taliban must ensure Afghanistan can never again be used as a safe haven for terrorist groups to threaten the security of the United States, our allies, or any country.”

The representatives of China and Russia, in addition to discussing these issues, called for the lifting of travel sanctions on Islamic Emirate officials and emphasized the importance of forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s UN representative, remarked: “Among other imperatives is shaping a truly inclusive Government with the participation of all ethno-political groups in the country. We hope to see positive momentum on both fronts.”

Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, said during the Security Council meeting: “China reiterates that the Council should reinstate its package of exemptions to the travel ban imposed on the relevant personnel of the Afghan interim government, and timely adjust the 1988 sanctions regime, so as to facilitate the external engagement of the interim government.”

The human rights situation, particularly women’s issues in Afghanistan, was another key topic of the meeting.

“This remains vital whilst Afghans – especially women and girls – continue to suffer under a series of oppressive restrictions. At the time, members of the Taliban claimed that the March 2022 ban on secondary education for girls was temporary. Almost three years on, girls in Afghanistan continue to be denied their right to education,” said James Kariuki, the UK’s deputy permanent representative to the UN.

At the end of the meeting, nine countries issued a joint statement under the theme Women, Peace, and Security in Afghanistan, expressing concern over the situation of women and supporting the extension of the UNAMA mandate.