UN Security Council Renews Afghanistan Mission, Presses Taliban on Women’s Rights and Counterterrorism

The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution extending the United Nations political mission in Afghanistan for another year while calling on the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women and intensify efforts against militant groups operating within the country.

The resolution renews the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until June 17, 2027, and tasks it with supporting humanitarian assistance, promoting inclusive governance, and facilitating engagement between Afghanistan, regional countries and the wider international community.

China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong, whose country sponsored the resolution, expressed hope that the Taliban would take stronger steps to protect human rights, particularly those of women, and demonstrate greater openness and inclusivity.

The move comes amid growing international concern over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. Earlier this month, at least 30 women were reportedly detained in the western city of Herat for allegedly violating the Taliban’s strict dress code. According to UNAMA, a rare protest against the arrests was forcibly dispersed, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Since returning to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions under their interpretation of Islamic law, including bans on girls’ education beyond primary school and severe limits on women’s employment and public participation. Minority communities have also faced increasing challenges.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of governance and humanitarian efforts being carried out without discrimination based on gender, religion or ethnicity, and calls for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, minorities, youth and persons with disabilities in public life.

The Security Council also reiterated concerns about terrorism in Afghanistan. The United States urged the Taliban to fulfill counterterrorism commitments, respect international obligations and end what it described as serious human rights abuses against women and girls.

Pakistan, which has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militants responsible for attacks across the border, welcomed the resolution’s focus on security threats. Islamabad says militant groups operating from Afghan territory continue to pose a serious danger to regional stability, an allegation the Taliban deny.

In addition to political and security issues, the resolution authorizes UNAMA to support Afghanistan’s economic recovery by facilitating commercial and financial activity and assisting efforts to return assets belonging to the Afghan central bank for the benefit of the Afghan people.

The renewed mandate underscores the international community’s continued engagement with Afghanistan while maintaining pressure on the Taliban over human rights, governance and security concerns.