Security Council extends UN mission in Afghanistan mandate till June 2027, flags security concerns

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) until June 17, 2027, while highlighting concerns over Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, terrorism threats, human rights situation and regional stability.

The resolution, drafted by China and adopted by all 15 UNSC members, reaffirms the UN’s central role in supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan and maintaining engagement with the country’s de facto authorities and other stakeholders.

Although Pakistan is not mentioned by name in the text, several provisions of the resolution carry direct implications for Islamabad, particularly on refugee returns, regional security, counterterrorism cooperation and economic connectivity.

The Security Council directed Unama to support efforts to create conditions conducive to the “voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return and reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees,” an issue of particular relevance to Pakistan, which continues to host a large Afghan refugee population.

The resolution also mandates Unama to facilitate dialogue involving Afghan authorities, regional countries and the wider international community, potentially creating an additional multilateral framework for regional engagement on Afghanistan.

On security issues, the council expressed “serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security” and reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in the country.

The UNSC further called for regional and international cooperation to prevent and address the illicit trade in and destabilising accumulation of small arms and light weapons and their diversion in Afghanistan and the wider region.

The resolution stresses the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity and directs Unama to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and economic development, priorities that neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, have repeatedly highlighted in discussions on Afghanistan’s future.

The Security Council voiced deep concern over Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian conditions, describing the need to strengthen humanitarian assistance and support for basic human needs as critical to the country’s long-term self-reliance.

It reiterated the importance of ensuring “full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for all people in need across Afghanistan” and tasked Unama with coordinating humanitarian assistance and strengthening cooperation among aid agencies operating in the country.

The mission was also directed to support efforts to facilitate access to assets belonging to Afghanistan’s Central Bank for the benefit of the Afghan people and to promote accountability, transparency and the effective use of aid.

A substantial portion of the resolution focuses on human rights, particularly the situation of women and girls.

The council expressed “serious concern regarding the increasing and widespread erosion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular for women and girls,” and said the absence of such rights and freedoms makes peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan unattainable.

It urged the reversal of policies and practices inconsistent with Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations and called for full access for Afghan women working for the United Nations to UN premises throughout the country.

The resolution further directed Unama to promote inclusive, representative and participatory governance and to support “the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women” as well as the participation of minorities, youth and persons with disabilities.

Beyond its humanitarian and political responsibilities, Unama will continue to monitor and report on political and security developments, economic conditions, human rights, governance issues, the illicit economy, natural disasters, water scarcity and environmental challenges.

The UNSC requested the UN Secretary-General to submit reports every three months on the situation in Afghanistan and on the implementation of Unama’s mandate.

It also requested a strategic review of the mission by March 31, 2027, aimed at improving coordination across UN activities in Afghanistan, eliminating duplication and addressing challenges that could hinder implementation of its mandate.

The Security Council stressed the critical importance of maintaining Unama’s presence throughout Afghanistan and called on all Afghan stakeholders to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel across the country. ...