The United Nations Security Council said Afghanistan will be a central topic at its quarterly meeting scheduled for Monday, where members are expected to review the situation in the country and consider extending the mandate of the UN mission there.
According to a report from the council, members are expected to vote on renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) before it expires on March 17.
Council members are also discussing a draft resolution prepared by China, though details of the proposal have not been publicly released.
The meeting is expected to address several issues, including human rights concerns — particularly Taliban restrictions on women and girls — security conditions, terrorism threats linked to Afghanistan, recent border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan, and the country’s humanitarian situation.
Some members are also expected to urge the Taliban to comply with Afghanistan’s international obligations, including commitments under international human rights treaties, and to provide further clarification about a recent decree issued by the Taliban’s supreme leader and how it is being implemented.
The council report said that the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a significant concern for member states.
A February 3 report by the UN monitoring team for the Islamic State and Al Qaeda sanctions committee said the Taliban continued to provide a permissive environment for several militant groups, particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The report also said Al Qaeda continues to benefit from Taliban support and plays a facilitating role for other militant groups through training and advisory activities.
The Security Council also noted a sharp increase in recent border clashes between Pakistani security forces and Taliban, raising concerns about regional stability.
Pakistan has faced a rise in militant attacks in recent months, including assaults that have caused casualties among both security forces and civilians.
Islamabad has repeatedly said the Taliban have allowed groups such as TTP to operate from Afghanistan’s territory, an allegation the Taliban have consistently denied.
