The Islamic Emirate, following the one-year extension of UNAMA’s mission in the recent UN Security Council meeting, has called on the UN representation in Afghanistan to work towards facilitating the country’s global interactions.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, reiterated this request while also rejecting claims of threats emanating from Afghanistan toward neighboring countries.
He stated: “This representation should pursue its main objective. Instead of creating unnecessary concerns in the country and exploiting minor issues, they should not provide grounds for propaganda against Afghanistan or become a tool of malicious circles.”
The UN Security Council, after a month of deliberations, unanimously approved the resolution on UNAMA’s mission extension on Monday.
The one-year mission will focus on humanitarian conditions, economic matters, international aid, human rights, and fostering engagements.
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasized: “This resolution reaffirms strong commitments to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity. It reflects the Council’s positions, expectations, and concerns regarding Afghanistan’s evolving challenges. The resolution also highlights Afghanistan’s economic difficulties, humanitarian funding shortages, and obstacles to international aid.”
Several UNSC members, including the UK, South Korea, and the US, stressed UNAMA’s focus on human rights in Afghanistan, particularly women’s rights.
The Russian representative emphasized pragmatic engagement and Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community as key to lasting peace.
Anna Evstigneeva, deputy permanent representative of Russia to the UN, stated: “We are convinced that achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan is impossible without a comprehensive and realistic approach toward its final international reintegration. This approach must be based on objective assessments and patient dialogue with the de facto authorities, including under UN supervision.”
Dorothy Shea, the US representative at the UN, said: “We call on UNAMA to strengthen its efforts to promote Afghans in enjoyment of human rights, particularly for women and girls. We support UNAMA’s work to help address the widespread humanitarian crisis and stabilize the economy.”
Pakistan’s representative, however, once again criticized Afghanistan’s interim government regarding terrorism.
Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, stated: “Apart from the need for adequate humanitarian assistance to destitute Afghans, Pakistan has consistently asserted that the foremost amount the challenges faced in Afghanistan is terrorism within and from Afghanistan. The Taliban government has not been effective in eliminating ISIS, Daesh. It has tolerated several other terrorist groups and is complicit in the cross-border attacks.”
UNAMA’s mission has been extended until March 17, 2026.
