UN Security Council urges appointment of special envoy for Afghanistan

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan.

The resolution which was passed with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions (China and Russia) reiterated its full support to UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

It also took positive note of the independent assessment on Afghanistan and encouraged member states and other relevant stakeholders to consider the implementation of its recommendations, especially in regards to increasing international engagement in a more coordinated manner.

The Council also affirmed that the objective of this process should be an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors, fully reintegrated into the international community and meeting international obligations.

It recognized the need to ensure the "full, equal, meaningful and safe" participation of Afghan women in the process throughout.

Taliban returned to rule Afghanistan in August 2021 after over two decades of war.

The interim set up continues to impose numerous rules and policies, violating a range of fundamental rights of women and girls, including access to education.

The country is also facing hunger and risk of malnutrition, poverty, a near-collapse of the national public health system and natural disasters.