In a wide-ranging address to the UN Security Council on Monday, Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), emphasized that the new comprehensive approach for Afghanistan, known as mosaic, aims to re-engage Afghanistan on multiple fronts—without normalization of the status quo.
“The United Nations mosaic approach does not seek to normalize the status quo,” Otunbayeva stated, underscoring that it is a structured framework designed to address core issues — human rights, governance, sanctions, counter-narcotics, economic development, and women’s inclusion.
She described the approach as “an engagement with a clear goal,” envisioning “an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors, fully reintegrated into the international community, and meeting its international obligations, and without going through another cycle of violence.”
Otunbayeva acknowledged criticism regarding past engagement strategies, calling them “unsustainable.” She insisted that, “Based on our extensive outreach… it is the view of Afghans that they would be in a far worse place without the presence and assistance of the international community. At the very least, international presence provides an element of protection and prevention.”
At the same time, she expressed concern that “engagement has not improved the unacceptable situation of Afghan women and girls, inclusive governance, or human rights.” She highlighted Taliban policies such as the Law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice which, she said, “cemented … systematic, state‑sponsored policies that exclude women and girls from participation in public life—including education, employment, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression.” She retained that these policies continue to “distance Afghanistan from its international obligations and hinder its reintegration into the international system.”
Otunbayeva noted that international dialogue remains valuable even as Taliban authorities expressed frustration over “frozen assets, sanctions, non‑recognition, the need for development assistance, and an end to aid dependency.”
Working group meetings in Doha
Pointing to the coming diplomatic steps, she stated: “In a few days in Doha, the United Nations is convening meetings of the two working groups on counter-narcotics and the private sector, established following the third meeting of Special Envoys in Doha in 2024, that bring all stakeholders together at the same table. This is an important development that gives momentum to multilateral engagement and builds confidence in the value of mutual cooperation in the crucial areas of enabling the private sector and counter‑narcotics.”
She also highlighted positive developments under de facto Taliban control: “The de facto authorities have provided relative stability and security, promoted modest economic growth and foreign investment, initiated dormant infrastructure projects, and deepened their diplomatic ties abroad, especially within the region.” But she cautioned that these gains are overshadowed by restrictive laws targeting Afghan women, minorities, the economy, humanitarian operations, media, and cultural rights.
She insisted that the process is consultative and inclusive: “We have engaged with multiple stakeholders inside, outside of Afghanistan, not only to build consensus but also to ensure this is a process through which all voices will be heard.”
Otunbayeva appealed to diplomats to see beyond headlines and welcome the perseverance of ordinary Afghan women: “As one Afghan woman interlocutor said to us, the current struggle is not about dramatic acts of defiance, but the quiet and relentless pursuit of daily life or resilience. Survival itself is an act of rebellion.”
This comes as the UN mosaic approach has faced criticism for not including all stakeholders from Afghanistan.
