The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold a closed-door meeting on Afghanistan early Monday, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expected to present a report on the country’s situation.
In December, the UNSC adopted a resolution on Afghanistan with 13 votes in favor, while China and Russia abstained. The resolution calls for the appointment of a UN special envoy to Afghanistan and aims to reintegrate the country into the international community.
Political analyst Wais Naseri suggested the Taliban should agree to the special envoy’s appointment and start dialogues among Afghans. “Without such actions, the Taliban risks further isolation, and Afghanistan could lose all international assistance and cooperation,” Naseri said.
Diplomatic sources at the UN informed Amu that Monday’s meeting would include discussions on the special envoy’s appointment, though a final decision may not be reached.
Guterres will also present his report on the special envoys’ meeting about Afghanistan, held on February 18-19 in Doha.
Women’s rights activist Fatima Karimi emphasized the importance of the special envoy understanding Afghanistan’s culture, people, and political movements. “The Taliban doesn’t represent all of Afghanistan; there are many facets of society that the envoy should be fully aware of,” Karimi stated.
The UN’s independent assessment indicates that the special envoy would facilitate coordination among national and international stakeholders to form an inclusive government representing all societal aspects, including women.
Despite opposition from Taliban officials, UN sources revealed that the appointment of the special envoy is likely to proceed.
