The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for three months, marking a departure from the mission’s usual one-year renewal.
All 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution.
Under the decision, UNAMA’s mandate will run from March 16 to June 17, according to the draft resolution considered by the council.
UNAMA is tasked with supporting political engagement, coordinating humanitarian assistance and promoting stability and international cooperation related to Afghanistan.
The short-term extension comes after differences among council members over how long the mission’s mandate should be renewed. China had proposed a one-year extension, while the United States supported a three-month renewal, leading to the compromise adopted by the council.
The resolution also reflects ongoing concerns among council members about human rights in Afghanistan, restrictions on women and girls, counterterrorism efforts, and the country’s economic and banking crisis.
The Security Council has also asked UN Secretary-General António Guterres to appoint a new special representative to advance political engagement on Afghanistan.
UNAMA was established on March 28, 2002, under Security Council Resolution 1401, to coordinate UN humanitarian, political and development activities in Afghanistan and support peace and stability in the country.
Some analysts say the short-term extension reflects uncertainty among international actors over how to engage with Taliban.
Others warn that continued divisions among international stakeholders could complicate diplomatic efforts and humanitarian coordination in the country.
Some Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls who have been barred from work and education, say they hope the renewed UNAMA mandate will place greater focus on human rights and their access to education and employment.
