UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations Security Council issued a strong statement on Saturday, expressing deep concern over the Taliban’s continued restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights, warning that these measures undermine Afghanistan’s peace, stability, and development.
Following a briefing on the situation in Afghanistan, the Council reaffirmed its “strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Afghanistan,” while emphasizing its support for the Afghan people amid the country’s worsening crises.
Women’s rights under threat
The statement condemned the Taliban’s policies, specifically their “vice and virtue” directive and the recent decision to suspend women’s access to education in private and public medical institutions. The Council said these actions restrict the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls, with profound implications for Afghanistan’s development.
“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,” the statement read. It called for “the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan” and urged the Taliban to “swiftly reverse these policies and practices.”
The Council emphasized that progress in this area is “crucial for building confidence with the international community.”
Economic and humanitarian challenges
Addressing Afghanistan’s dire economic and humanitarian situation, the Council noted the “funding gap for and continuing obstacles to humanitarian operations.” It also recognized the importance of restoring the country’s banking and financial systems and enabling the use of frozen central bank assets for the benefit of the Afghan people.
The members acknowledged the “substantial challenges facing Afghanistan’s economy,” urging stakeholders to “provide humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs.”
Terrorism and drug trafficking
The Security Council reaffirmed that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security in Afghanistan, as well as in the world.” It called on the Taliban to take “active measures to strengthen its efforts to combat terrorism,” particularly against individuals and groups designated under U.N. counterterrorism resolutions.
The statement reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used to “threaten or attack any country, to plan or finance terrorist acts, or to shelter and train terrorists.” It emphasized that “no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.”
The Council also addressed the issue of narcotics, recognizing that “illicit proceeds of drug trafficking in Afghanistan continue to be a source of financing for terrorist groups and non-State actors.” It urged greater support for alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on opium production.
Dialogue and political resolution
The Council stressed the importance of dialogue, consultation, and engagement among Afghan stakeholders, regional actors, and the international community. It highlighted the Doha Process, convened by the United Nations, as a critical platform for achieving a political settlement.
The statement noted the need for a “political roadmap” to guide Afghanistan toward reintegration into the international community and fulfillment of its global obligations.
“Dialogue, consultation, and engagement among all relevant Afghan stakeholders, the region, and the wider international community are critical for a political settlement in Afghanistan, as well as peace and stability in the country, the region, and beyond,” the Council said.
A Message to the Taliban
The Council’s message to the Taliban was clear: reverse discriminatory policies, combat terrorism, and work toward an inclusive political resolution to ensure Afghanistan’s stability.
The statement reflected growing international frustration with the Taliban’s governance, which has exacerbated Afghanistan’s humanitarian crises and isolated the country further from the global community.
This version includes more direct excerpts from the Security Council statement while maintaining a cohesive and journalistic structure. Let me know if further refinements are needed!
