The United Nations Security Council is set to hold meetings to discuss extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
According to reports, the Security Council will meet on June 8 and June 16 to review not only the extension of UNAMA’s mandate but also Afghanistan’s current political, security, and humanitarian situation.
The Council is expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Afghanistan’s situation on June 8. The review will cover political developments, security conditions, human rights issues, girls’ education, women’s employment, and the challenges faced by refugees and internally displaced families.
According to the report, the Security Council will decide on June 16 whether to extend UNAMA’s mandate in Afghanistan.
Political analyst Shahsawar Sangrowal said: “Since the Islamic Emirate does not have a diplomatic platform at the United Nations, UNAMA is the only institution that conveys the voice of Afghans to the UN. UNAMA consistently discusses Afghanistan’s challenges with humanitarian and aid organizations.”
UNAMA announced on Monday that the Security Council would meet on June 16 to consider extending its mission.
In March, Security Council member states unusually extended UNAMA’s mandate for only three months rather than the customary one-year period.
Although the Islamic Emirate has not commented on the upcoming discussions regarding the extension of UNAMA’s mandate, analysts consider the mission important for maintaining political engagement between Afghanistan and the international community.
Former diplomat Aziz Maarij said: “Under Afghanistan’s current circumstances, UNAMA serves at least as a window connecting Afghanistan with the United Nations. Through this channel, Afghanistan’s challenges and developments can be communicated to the world.”
Political analyst Khalil Ahmad Nadim added: “UNAMA’s presence in Afghanistan is necessary because it coordinates humanitarian assistance. It is also beneficial for the Islamic Emirate, as it provides a channel for maintaining relations with the international community.”
Previously, UNAMA’s mandate was typically renewed for one year at a time. The mission is a special political mission of the United Nations tasked with assisting the people of Afghanistan.
Political analyst Najib Rahman Shamal said: “UNAMA should present Afghanistan’s realities to the world in an impartial manner. It should also work to attract international support and help deliver services to the Afghan people. Furthermore, UNAMA should play a role in building links between Afghanistan and the international community.”
UNAMA was established on March 28, 2002, under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1401.
The Security Council discusses Afghanistan’s situation at least once every three months and conducts an annual review of UNAMA’s mandate.
