UN Extends UNAMA Mandate in Afghanistan

The UN Security Council has voted on March 17, 2022, that formal ties with Afghanistan must be established to ensure a secure formal presence in the country. A one-year mandate extension for the UN political mission was voted 14 in favour, with Russia being the one abstention.

Norway introduced the drafted UN text with hopes of reshaping the global body’s relation with Kabul after the seizure of power by the Taliban. Moscow has long opposed the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) draft, as complaints of the prominence of human rights were arguably too much. This view was also held by China, India, France, and Brazil. After the measure was re-drafted to settle concerns, Russia was the only one of 15 security Council Members that still opposed the mandate.

As quoted by Norweigan UN ambassador Mona Juul, “This new mandate for UNAMA (the UN mission to Afghanistan) is crucial not only to respond to the immediate humanitarian and economic crisis, but also to reach our overarching goal of peace and stability in Afghanistan,” she said to the AFP news agency on Thursday.

The Council outlines a clear message with the new mandate, which aims to facilitate and aid humanitarian assistance and basic human needs, as well as monitor, protect and promote the human rights of all Afghans. Lastly, the draft seeks to foster inclusive political dialogue between current Afghan stakeholders and the international community. The mandate will emphasize gender equality, women’s participation in politics, and monitoring violations and abuses against children. It is important to note that the resolution gives UNAMA the authority to engage with relevant Afghan actors, which includes the Taliban; however, the UN does not plan on recognizing the Taliban as an equal political force. After the Taliban’s role in the September 11 attacks, the Taliban has been sanctioned under international law.

Since the Taliban takeover last year, the UN estimates that nearly 400 civilians have been killed in attacks in Afghanistan since the takeover in August 2021. More than 80% of the attacks have been affiliated with ISIL (ISIS). Michelle Bachelet, Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that women’s rights have severely fallen since the takeover, as seen by the enforced disappearances of activists and protestors of freedom.

The country faces a significant humanitarian and economic crisis. Bachelet noted that half the population now suffers extreme levels of hunger. An increase in child labor, child marriage, and the sale of children have been observed. The UN reported that nearly nine million Afghans are at risk of famine.

Some of the humanitarian crisis stems from aid-cut offs from former donor countries, such as the United States. This sudden halt in resources and income has created a deprivation of food, water, shelter and health care. Hopefully, an extension of the mandate supporting Afghanistan can help reclaim equality to ensure the rights of vulnerable populations.

Amanda Thomson
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