UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to reverse restrictions on women and girls. The resolution also urges the Taliban to take stronger action against militant groups operating inside the country.
The measure, adopted on Monday, extends the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until June 17, 2027. In addition, it allows the mission to continue supporting humanitarian aid, governance programs and international engagement efforts.
Following the vote, China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong said the international community expects Afghanistan’s leaders to do more to protect human rights.
“The hope is that the Afghan government will take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women, and project an image of openness, inclusivity and responsibility,” Fu said.
Rights Concerns Remain in Focus
The resolution stresses that aid and government services should be delivered without discrimination based on sex, religion or ethnicity. It also calls for the full and meaningful participation of women, minorities, young people and people with disabilities in Afghan society.
Meanwhile, concerns about women’s rights continue to grow. According to UNAMA, Taliban authorities arrested at least 30 women in the western city of Herat earlier this month for allegedly violating the group’s dress code rules.
The U.N. mission also reported that Taliban police broke up a protest linked to the arrests. The incident left one person dead and several others injured.
Since returning to power in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces, the Taliban have imposed strict social restrictions. Girls are banned from education beyond primary school, while many women face limits on employment opportunities.
International Pressure Continues
The resolution allows UNAMA to facilitate talks between Taliban authorities, neighboring countries and the wider international community.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta said the Taliban must take concrete steps if they want meaningful political progress.
“For that political process to succeed, the Taliban must act,” she said. “The Taliban must meet their counterterrorism commitments, respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, end hostage diplomacy, and cease their unconscionable abuses of the human rights of women and girls.”
Security Issues Remain a Major Concern
The Security Council also highlighted concerns about militant groups operating in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of sheltering militants responsible for deadly attacks across the border. However, Taliban officials have denied those claims.
At the same time, tensions between the two countries have increased. According to The Associated Press, hundreds of people have died in clashes and military exchanges since February. The fighting intensified after Afghanistan launched attacks in response to Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory.
Pakistan’s U.N. Ambassador Asim Ahmad welcomed the resolution’s focus on security threats.
“The resolution expresses the council’s serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security,” Ahmad said.
Support for Economic Recovery
The resolution also expands UNAMA’s role in helping Afghanistan’s economy.
Under the measure, the mission can support commercial and financial activities. It can also assist efforts to return assets belonging to Afghanistan’s central bank for the benefit of the Afghan people.
Overall, the resolution signals continued international engagement with Afghanistan. At the same time, it increases pressure on the Taliban over human rights, governance and counterterrorism commitments.
Tags: Afghanistan, Taliban, United Nations, UNAMA, Pakistan
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