The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution (2023) to address the complex situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy and reaffirming its support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), UN reported on December 29.
The resolution also calls for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Afghanistan, with a specific focus on human rights and gender expertise. While the majority of the Council voted in favor of the resolution, China and the Russian Federation abstained, highlighting concerns about externally imposed solutions and the necessity for thorough communication with the Afghan authorities.
Key Resolutions and Objectives
The resolution underscores the critical importance of maintaining a UNAMA presence in Afghanistan, acknowledging the challenges faced by the country. It aims for a new strategy that engages more coherently and structurally with Afghanistan, addressing a broad spectrum of issues. The Council expresses its determination to facilitate a process leading to a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and inclusive Afghanistan, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting its international obligations.
Human Rights and Gender Considerations
One of the notable features of the resolution is its emphasis on human rights and gender issues. The Council highlights the need for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of Afghan women in the peace process. The recent move by the Taliban to ban girls from attending school is met with deep concern, and the resolution sets forth a practical approach to address such challenges.
International Cooperation and Coordination
The resolution encourages Member States and other relevant stakeholders to consider implementing the recommendations outlined in the independent assessment on Afghanistan. It stresses the importance of increasing international engagement in a coordinated manner. The establishment of a Special Envoy is seen as a crucial step in coordinating efforts to achieve progress in the country.
Global Perspectives on the Resolution
During the deliberations, various nations expressed their perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan. The United States reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region but expressed concerns about the Taliban's policies, particularly regarding women and girls. The United Kingdom emphasized the responsibility of the Taliban to meet international commitments and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful Afghanistan.
Chinese and Russian Perspectives
China, while abstaining from the vote, stressed the importance of thorough communication with the Afghan authorities before taking actions such as appointing a Special Envoy. The delegation warned against forcibly imposing solutions, citing Afghanistan's history of resisting externally imposed measures. Russia, while also abstaining, called for pragmatic consultations with Afghanistan's de facto authorities and cautioned against attempts to force the country to comply with external agendas.
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