UN's new Afghanistan mandate focuses on equality, inclusion

The Norwegian-drafted resolution was adopted by a vote of 14-0, with Russia abstaining

The U.N. Security Council on Thursday approved a robust mandate for its political mission in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover last August. The new mandate authorizes the mission to promote gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, human rights of all Afghans and an inclusive and representative government.

The Norwegian-drafted resolution was adopted by a vote of 14-0, with Russia abstaining.

Norway’s U.N. Ambassador Mona Juul said the Security Council sent a clear message that the U.N. mission, known as UNAMA, “has a crucial role to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and in supporting Afghan people as they face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty.”

The U.S. deputy ambassador, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, called the vote “an important step” that underscores the U.N.’s commitment to the Afghan people as they face “urgent and mutually reinforcing challenges.”

But Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the council for not consulting “the host country” on the U.N. presence, saying it is important for “more substantive cooperation” between UNAMA and the Taliban, which would help the U.N. achieve its objectives and guarantee security for U.N. personnel.

“We wish the mission every success, but we don’t want to bear any responsibility if it ends up that it is not able to fulfill all of the tasks that it faces,” he said.