The situation in Afghanistan - Security Council, 10171st meeting

The 10,171st meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the situation in Afghanistan. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Afghanistan to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of Item 2 of the agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to Document S/2026/431. It contains the report of the Secretary-General on on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. Members of the Council have before them Document S/2026/480, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by China. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favor of the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/480 Please raise their hand.

El resultado.

The result of the voting is as follows: the draft resolution received 15 votes in favor. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as Resolution 2822 of 2026. I will now give the floor to council members who wish to make a statement after the vote. I give the floor to the delegation of China.

Thank you, Madam President. The Security Council has just unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, for another year. As the penholder, China appreciates the support and cooperation of all Council members. I would like to emphasize the following points in connection with the resolution. First, The resolution demonstrates firm support for the work of UNAMA. The resolution maintains and strengthens UNAMA's core mandate, including coordinating international assistance, conducting political good offices, and promoting the protection of human rights, while streamlining outdated or redundant mandates as necessary. This will enable UNAMA to focus on its key responsibilities, better respond to the needs arising from the situation in Afghanistan, and address the concerns of the international community. The resolution underscores the critical importance of UNAMA and the relevant UN entities carrying out their mandates in Afghanistan, calls for the provision of necessary facility and security guarantees for their work, and urges the lifting of restrictions on Afghan female UN staff members' access to UN premises. Second, the resolution expresses deep concern over economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. UNAMA should continue to encourage the international community, in particular— traditional donors to increase assistance, support Afghanistan in addressing the humanitarian crisis and reintegrating returning refugees, promote economic recovery and regional cooperation, and strengthen the country's capacity for self-sustained development. The resolution also calls on UNAMA to facilitate access to assets of Afghanistan's central bank for the benefit of the Afghan people. We call on relevant countries to return Afghanistan's central bank assets as soon as possible. Lift the illegal unilateral sanctions on Afghanistan and create favorable conditions for its reconstruction and development. Third, the resolution reiterates its grave concern about the human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the rights of women. In line with the resolution, UNAMA should continue to engage with the Afghan government and the relevant parties to promote the effective protection of the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly ensuring equal rights for women and girls in education, healthcare, employment, justice, and public life. We hope that the Afghan government will heed the legitimate calls of its people and the international community, take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women, and project an image of openness, inclusivity, and responsibility. Fourth, the resolution reflects the expectation that Afghanistan will reintegrate into the international community. UNAMA should continue to serve as a bridge, facilitate engagement and dialogue between the international community and the Afghan government, encourage Afghanistan to pursue inclusive governance and moderate policies, fulfill its international obligations, and return to the international community at an early date. We support the UN-led Doha process in playing its due role in this regard and also support regional mechanisms such as the coordination and cooperation mechanism among Afghanistan's neighboring countries, the Moscow format, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in making greater contributions. The resolution reaffirms the importance of counterterrorism and expresses the hope that Afghanistan will strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with regional countries, eradicate all terrorist forces, and uphold common security. President, to support UNAMA in continuously enhancing its capacity and effectiveness in carrying out its mandate, the resolution requests the SG to conduct a strategic review of the mission and submit a report by the end of March next year. We look forward to the Secretary consulting with the Afghan government, regional countries, and other relevant stakeholders conducting a fair and objective assessment and putting forward practical and feasible recommendations. China stands ready to continue with all the other Council members to support UNAMA in better fulfilling its mandate and make due contributions to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. I thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. And I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, the Russian Federation voted today in support of the Security Council resolution which extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for 1 year. We welcome the efforts made by the Chinese penholders of the Afghan file to find compromise solutions. As a result, a collective document has been adopted with an emphasis on supporting the Afghan people in building a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan free from terrorism and drugs. The main thing is that the current configuration of the areas of activity of UNAMA remains unchanged, and the mission will continue its work in Afghanistan in full. It is gratifying that the text reflected elements aimed at the economic development of the country, which should become the basis for the self- sufficiency of the Afghan state. In the interest of achieving consensus, we agreed with the persistent proposals of the US delegation to instruct the UN Secretary-General to prepare a strategic review of UNAMA's activities. It is our understanding that work on such a document should be based on a sober and objective analysis of the situation and be conducted in interaction with the authorities and take into account the needs of the Afghans themselves primarily in the field of capacity building and humanitarian and socioeconomic assistance and development. Attempts to use this review so as to turn UNAMA into some kind of a structure exercising oversight in the interest of Western states that irresponsibly abandoned the country in 2021 are unacceptable. This will only put the UN presence as a whole at risk. We are disappointed that, due to the unconstructive line of the U.S. delegation, the document does not reflect an important element concerning pragmatic cooperation on Afghanistan and broad diplomatic efforts aimed at a comprehensive settlement of the Afghan problem. It is regrettable that a country which signed an agreement with the Taliban movement behind the back of the former government continues dictating the terms and determining what this engagement should be and with whom. Madam President, today's decision of the Security Council is not only an expression of support for UNAMA, but also serves as a clear signal to the people of Afghanistan, showing them the commitment of the international community to establishing peace and stability in this long-suffering country. It was and remains imperative to maintain consistent interaction of the mission with the Afghan government to discuss all issues in strict accordance with their mandated tasks. Of particular importance is UNAMA's ability to discharge its duties in coordinating international humanitarian assistance to the country, providing support primarily to the most vulnerable groups of the population. And this is especially important given the unresolved issue of frozen assets and unprecedented unilateral sanctions. We are convinced that building long-term peace in the country is impossible without a realistic approach aiming at the subsequent international reintegration of Afghanistan. At its core is an objective assessment and patient dialogue with the Afghan authorities. There is no alternative to this. On this depends not only the successful implementation by UNAMA of its assigned tasks, but also its future as a whole. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, President. The United States thanks the dedicated staff of UNAMA as it carries out important work under difficult and often dangerous conditions. UNAMA's valuable reporting informs this council's decisions on Afghanistan, where the situation remains dire. UNAMA's efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and to support dialogue have the potential to promote peace and security. For these reasons, the United States voted in favor of reauthorizing UNAMA's mandate. We appreciate the pen holder and fellow council members' constructive engagement on this resolution. A streamlined, fit-for-purpose UNAMA mandate is essential. We look forward to the strategic review of the mission requested in this resolution. Such a review will enable this council to identify duplicative unrealistic tasks to be removed, or to identify further changes that may be required to ensure UNAMA that produces results commensurate with the resources that UN member states invest in it. The appointment of a new SRSG to lead UNAMA is also an important step to ensuring UNAMA's effectiveness. We continue to encourage the Secretary-General to quickly appoint a a qualified candidate to this position. We must stress, however, that Unama's important contributions, even with an SRSJ in place, cannot mitigate the urgent need for the appointment of a UN special envoy to lead the political process in Doha, as this council called for in its Resolution 2721 in 2023. For that political process to succeed, The Taliban must act. The Taliban must meet their counterterrorism commitments, respect Afghanistan's international obligations, end hostage diplomacy, and cease their unconscionable abuses of the human rights of women and girls. The Taliban must additionally eliminate all restrictions that inflict harm on the Afghan people and impede UNAMA's ability to function. Including those preventing Afghan female UN staff from entering UN premises. The United Nations must continue to work towards peace, security, and stability. We can all call on member states to join the United States in doing the same. Thank you.

Doy las gracias a la delegación de la República Dominicana.

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Madam President. Denmark welcomes the unanimous adoption of the renewal of UNAMID's mandate and thanks China as penholder for their dedicated efforts. With this resolution, the Security Council reaffirms its united support for UNAMID's vital work in Afghanistan. This importantly includes monitoring and reporting on human rights, protection of civilians, and violations and abuses against children; facilitating and improving humanitarian access for all, including women; and supporting the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women, civil society, and minorities in all diplomatic efforts and decision-making. Madam President, as the Taliban continues their systematic restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women and girls, Denmark has attached particular importance to preserving UNAMA's core human rights functions, including the promotion of gender equality and women's role in peace and security. We therefore welcome the retention of references to Resolution 1325 and related resolutions and stress the importance of implementing these commitments across UNAMA's work. Denmark remains deeply concerned by the growing risk of reprisals violations, and abuses against women and girls, children, journalists, human rights defenders, health workers, and others. The recent arrests of women and the use of lethal force against protesters in Herat are a stark reminder of this reality. While we regret that these concerns could not be reflected explicitly in the resolution, monitoring and reporting on these developments will remain a central component of UNAMID's mandate. Madam President, as the Council has repeatedly underscored, there is no sustainable solution to Afghanistan's challenges without a credible political path forward. Afghanistan cannot move closer to international reintegration while the Taliban continues to systematically deny women and girls their fundamental rights and freedoms. We therefore reiterate our call on the Taliban to heed this Council's demands and comply with international human rights obligations. Madam President, in closing, we urge the Secretary-General to appoint a new SRSG without delay. Strong leadership will be critical to ensuring effective implementation of the mandate, advancing political engagement, and maintaining momentum behind the Doha process. I thank you.

Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Denmark and I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Thank you, Madam President. We thank the penholder, China, for their leadership and efforts to reach a consensus on the UNAMA mandate and welcome its unanimous renewal for one year. Latvia voted in favor of the resolution as the presence and work of UNAMA remains vital for the people of Afghanistan. Latvia appreciates that the resolution before us clearly reflects UNAMA's three core pillars: humanitarian coordination, human rights, and political track. And we welcome the inclusion of the following tasks in particular. First, we stress the importance of the Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions on women, peace, and security in Afghanistan. A sustainable peace is impossible when women are denied their rights. We expect that the WPS agenda will be fully integrated throughout the mandate in a cross-cutting manner. Second, we welcome the provisions on monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Afghanistan within its mandate. We understand this to encompass violations, abuses, and reprisals against women, children, journalists, human rights defenders, healthcare and humanitarian workers, as well as other specially protected groups under international human rights law. Third, we are pleased that this mandate includes monitoring and reporting on the impacts of natural disasters, water scarcity and broader environmental challenges. Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Its adverse effects are impacting the livelihoods of the Afghan people and to the overall security situation in the country. And we also unequivocally condemn the recent arrests of dozens, dozens of women in Herat and the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters. And we urge the Taliban to immediately comply with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. As this Council has once again expressed in the resolution before us today, the absence of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular for women and girls, makes peace, stability, and prosperity in the country unattainable. So Latvia reiterates its unwavering support for the people of Afghanistan and will continue to stand firmly for the rights of Afghan women and girls. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Madam President, Greece welcomes the adoption of this resolution and thanks the penholder China for their work and the conduct of the negotiating process. Greece voted in favor of this resolution, reiterating our unwavering support for UNAMA and for a strong mandate. We welcome the retention of all three pillars of UNAMA's mandate: the coordination of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the facilitation of political dialogue between the international community and the Taliban. Greece is particularly concerned by human rights violations in Afghanistan, especially regarding women's rights, as well as reprisals against activists and human rights defenders. We condemn all restrictions of the fundamental freedoms of the Afghan people, particularly women, including the ban on female Afghan UN employees for accessing UN premises. In this regard, we appreciate the human rights provisions of the mandate including on the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. We also welcome the engagement of civil society in the promotion of human rights and the political dialogue. At the same time, we would like to stress that the provisions on women, peace, and security should be mainstreamed throughout UNAMAS mandate. Madam President, We believe that UNAMA's streamlined mandate will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the mission and that the requested strategic review will contribute to this end. We also reiterate our support for the swift appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General to head UNAMA. We remain committed to working with our fellow Security Council members to ensure UNAMA's effective implementation of its mandate. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Sayyeda Rais.

Madam President, we thank the People's Republic of China as penholder for its efforts in preparing the draft resolution on extending the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA. We thank the President for holding negotiations with Council members to achieve consensus that ensures the continuation of the work of UNAMA at this stage. Madam President, we voted in favor of this draft resolution that extended UNAMA's mandate for one year, as we believe that it is important for the UNAMA— for the mission to continue its work and to avoid any vacuum that might affect the ability of the United Nations to play its role in Afghanistan. The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that the extension of UNAMA for one year provides the necessary framework for the continuation of its work in a stable and effective way so that the mission is able to undertake its activities in a way that takes into account the developments on the ground, and it would be able to continue international efforts to assist Afghanistan and its people at this particular period of time. We stress the importance of the vital role played by UNAMA in following humanitarian, political, and security, and economic developments in Afghanistan. UNAMA is playing a vital role in coordinating international efforts and providing assistance to the Afghan people. Madam President, the Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to supporting the prosperity and security of Afghanistan and its people. We're committed to supporting international efforts to maintain the unity, sovereignty of Afghanistan, and fulfilling the aspirations of the Afghan people to development, security. And security. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for the statement, and I now give the floor to Liberia.

Thank you, thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the E3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country Libya. The A3 voted in favor of this resolution to renew the mandate of UNAMA. We commend the penholder, China, for its leadership and efforts that enabled the Council to once again demonstrate unity in support of the Afghan people. Madam President, the A3 reaffirms its strong support for UNAMA and acknowledges its indispensable role as the principal platform for international engagement with Afghanistan. The Mission continues to play a critical role in supporting humanitarian coordination, facilitating dialogue, monitoring developments on the ground, and advancing efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. This renewal reflects the Council's continued commitment to addressing the multidimensional challenges facing Afghanistan. The Afghan people continue to endure severe socio-economic conditions underpinned by climate-related shocks, displacement, human rights violations, and security challenges. We, therefore, underscore the need for sustained international support and adequate humanitarian funding. Full and meaningful participation of women and girls remains essential to Afghanistan's long-term peace, stability, and development. Hence, the A3 remains concerned by continuing restrictions that erode their rights and calls for measures that enable all Afghans to contribute fully to their country's future. We also emphasized the importance of ensuring that UNAMA can effectively implement its mandate throughout Afghanistan, including through safe, unhindered, and non-discriminatory access for United Nations personnel and humanitarian partners. Madam President, the A3 remains deeply troubled by the continued threats posed by terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan. Transnational terrorist organizations like ISIL-K, al-Qaeda, and other regional and international terrorist groups and their affiliates must never be allowed to operate in its territories to jeopardize the security and safety of neighboring states and pose threats to international peace and security. We commend the vital role of the Security Council 1988 Sanctions Committee and highlight the importance of continued regional and international cooperation to address these threats. To conclude, Madam President, the AU3 reiterates its commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as support solutions that are Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. We remain convinced that a coordinated and balanced approach approach across all pillars is essential to supporting the Afghan people and advancing lasting peace and stability. We stand ready to continue working constructively with all Council members and international partners in support of these objectives. And I thank you for your attention.

Doi lakha dasiel.

I thank the representative of Liberia for the statement., and I now give the floor to Pakistan.

Thank you, Madam President. We commend China for its leadership role as pen holder and for skillfully forging consensus leading to unanimous adoption of this resolution today that extends UNAMA's mandate by one year. Pakistan reiterates its support for UNAMA in promoting efforts for peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, a country that continues to be confronted with multifaceted challenges. Pakistan has consistently underlined that one of the most serious challenges in Afghanistan is the alarming rise in the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan that is directly affecting its immediate neighbors, particularly Pakistan. This resolution expresses Council's serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security. It is a matter of great concern that elements within the Taliban are actively collaborating with several terrorist groups and providing them with safe havens. The TTP, BLA and Majid Brigade, ISIL-K, al Qaeda, and ETIM operate with impunity inside Afghanistan. Many of these terrorist groups are responsible for cross-border terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani civilians and law enforcement personnel, as well as critical infrastructure and public places. Madam President, as mandated by the resolution, UNAMA must support efforts to create conditions in Afghanistan that are conducive for the integration— reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees. UNAMA is entrusted with the responsibility of promoting Afghanistan's compliance with all its international obligations and commitments that include the three key priorities, namely counterterrorism, human rights, and inclusive governance. Excuse me. UNAMA must support efforts to prevent and address illicit trade in and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons and their diversion in Afghanistan and the region. We expect UNAMA to report objectively by providing concrete analysis on the political and security dynamics socioeconomic developments, including the illicit economy, and provide assessments on risks of aid diversion, especially where cash transfers are involved. Mere mention of events and developments without context does not serve a useful purpose. INAMA's reporting must be evidence-based, particularly when it relates to areas where terrorist groups have sanctuaries and access is difficult for UN personnel. We must remain cautious of the role of spoilers who seek to undermine peace in the region and who peddle information that also plays into Taliban's propaganda. UNAMA must be fair and balanced in its reporting and take into account the legitimate security concerns of Afghanistan's immediate neighbors who are faced with serious threats from Afghan soil. Madam President, we share the concerns regarding the inordinate delay in the appointment of SRSG and head of UNAMA. We expect the Secretary-General to swiftly fill this position that has been vacant since last year. The Council also looks forward to the outcome of the Secretary-General's strategic review of UNAMA by 31st March 2027 for the effective implementation of its mandate. We sincerely hope the UNAMA will play a constructive role towards meeting the long-term goals of peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan, a country that is at peace with itself and its neighbors. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement, and I give the floor to the delegation of Panama.

Thank you, Madam President. We would like to thank China for drafting the draft resolution, and we would like to thank them for their commitment when it comes to consensus-seeking, which they have achieved because this resolution was approved unanimously. Panama voted voted in favor of this resolution because we consider that the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan continues to play an indispensable role to support the people of Afghanistan at a time characterized by deep humanitarian, economic, security, and human rights challenges. We welcome the renewal of the mission's mandate for a year, and we reiterate our support to its efforts to facilitate access to humanitarian assistance, promote stability, maintain commitment with all relevant actors, and provide the Security Council with objective and reliable information on the evolution of the situation in the country. It is important for this mandate to continue to be firmly grounded in the promotion and protection of human rights, specifically the rights of women and girls. This is why we value the efforts of Council members to preserve and strengthen this component during negotiations. In a context of persistent restrictions to the rights and fundamental freedoms of women We welcome references to the essential role that women must play in decision-making processes and in the construction of a society that is more inclusive, stable, and prosperous, in line with Resolution 1325. We also support the continuation of international mechanisms led by the United Nations, including the Doha process as important spaces to foster dialogue, promote compliance with Afghanistan's international obligations, and support their eventual and full reintegration in the international community. We would like to highlight the importance of naming in a timely fashion the person that will assume the functions of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan in order to ensure continuity in the mission's leadership. Finally, Panama welcomes the inclusion of a strategic review for UNAMA, which is understood as an opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness of the mission and ensure that it continues to adequately respond to the needs of the people of Afghanistan and changing realities on the ground. Panama will continue to support efforts to promote peace, stability, human dignity, and a more inclusive future for the Afghan people. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement, and I shall now make a statement In my national capacity as the representative of Colombia,

I would like to thank China as the penholder for leading the negotiations that made it possible to adopt the resolution which renews for 12 months the mandate of the U.N. assistance mission in Afghanistan. UNAMA. Colombia recognizes the fundamental role played by UNAMA in a context characterized by deep humanitarian, economic, social, and environmental challenges. The mission continues to be critical to coordinate and facilitate humanitarian assistance, as well as to promote dialogue through its good offices and the monitoring and promotion of human rights, including the rights of women and girls. Nevertheless, my delegation deeply regrets the reduction in the cross-cutting gender focus in the resolution, and we reiterate our concern over the systematic restrictions that continue affecting impacting the effective exercise of the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls. Gender-based violence, the lack of access to quality education, the exclusion of women from public life and employment, as well as limiting their full and equal, significant, and safe participation in the social, economic, and political life of the country, limits The ability to build a sustainable and inclusive peace in Afghanistan. Colombia hopes that the strategic review that will be carried out allows the Council to make progress in a constructive manner and following a joint vision on what is expected of the mission, where the promotion and protection of human rights The rights of women and girls, humanitarian assistance, and inclusive governance continue to be central elements. We would also like to highlight the importance of providing reports on progress made in the implementation of its mandate and an analysis on the situation on the ground. This includes the economic Humanitarian and social impacts caused by natural disasters, water shortages, and environmental challenges as a result of climate change, they have an impact in Afghanistan's situation. Colombia reiterates its support for the continuity of UNAMA's work and the United Nations system in Afghanistan. Their work is critical for the well-being of all Afghans. I thank you.

I resume the functions of the presidency of the Security Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Afghanistan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam President. It's always great to see women leaders in decision-making and leading the UN. We thank the members of the Security Council for the unanimous adoption of this resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for another year. We also express our deep appreciation to the People's Republic of China as penholder for its leadership and efforts in facilitating consensus on this important resolution. At a time when Afghanistan continues to face a multidimensional political, humanitarian, economic, and human rights crisis, the continued presence of United Nations remains indispensable. UNAMID plays a vital role in promoting peace and stability facilitating political dialogue, coordination, humanitarian assistance, monitoring and reporting human rights, and maintaining international attention on the plight of the people of Afghanistan. The adoption of this resolution comes as the human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. Just days ago, on 6th and 7th June, the Taliban's so-called morality police arbitrarily detained dozens of women and girls in Herat because of their appearance and dress. When residents peacefully protested these arrests, Taliban forces responded with live fire, resulting in civilian casualties, including the death of a woman and a child. The Taliban have— following that, the Taliban have stepped up the interrogation, detention, and imprisonment of social social activists and social media users across the province. UNAMO described the arrests as arbitrary, while the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan expressed alarm over the reported use of force against peaceful protesters. These events are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader pattern of systematic discrimination, repression, and exclusion that has for nearly 5 years sought to erase women and girls from public life and deny them access to education, employment, freedom of movement, and meaningful participation in society. The Taliban's leaders' recently issued ban on smartphones across government institutions, alongside broader controls on information and communication, is aimed at suppressing dissent concealing abuses, and isolating the Afghan people further. We therefore welcome the Council's strong emphasis on the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, and the reference to Resolution 1325 and its call for the reversal of policies and practices that are inconsistent with Afghanistan's international human rights obligations, as well as to Islamic values and Afghanistan's traditions. We also welcome the resolution's emphasis on inclusive, representative, participatory, and responsive governance. Sustainable peace and stability cannot be achieved through exclusion. A durable political solution requires the meaningful participation of all Afghans—women and men, diverse ethnic and religious communities, youth, civil society, political actors, and persons with disabilities. In this regard, we encourage UNAMA to continue implementing its mandate fully and impartially, with particular attention to facilitating political dialogue and engagement with all credible Afghan stakeholders, both inside and outside the country. We also underscored the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution 2721, and advancing a credible, inclusive, Afghan-owned political process that leads to a legitimate, representative and accountable political order. In this context, the timely appointment of a highly qualified Special Representative of the Secretary-General will be essential. We also welcome the Resolution's request for a strategic review of UNAMA and look forward to the recommendations that further strengthen the Mission's effectiveness and coherence. Coherence. We further welcome the resolution's support for humanitarian assistance, socio-economic development, regional cooperation, and dialogue between all Afghan stakeholders and the international community. While these efforts remain essential, they should continue to be pursued alongside UNAMID's political and human rights responsibilities. Afghanistan also continues to face serious Security challenges. The continued presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil remains a matter of concern for Afghanistan and for regional international peace and security. We therefore welcome the continued attention given to counterterrorism efforts and cooperation with Security Council's monitoring team. Madam President, as UNAMA enters another year of its mandate, we encourage the mission to continue its vital work with impartiality, professionalism, and determination. We particularly value its role in monitoring and reporting on human rights, supporting humanitarian operations, facilitating inclusive political dialogue, and advancing international efforts aimed at peace, stability, and the well-being of the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan continue to look to the United Nations as a trusted partner and a source of hope during one of the most difficult periods in our contemporary history. We urge the international community to remain united and principled in its engagement with Afghanistan. Efforts to address the country's challenges must remain firmly anchored in respect for human rights, the meaningful participation of women, the fight against terrorism, and the pursuit of an inclusive, representative and legitimate political future. The Council's unity in supporting of a strong UNAMA mandate sends an important message: the people of Afghanistan deserve protection, dignity, accountability, and a future defined by rights, opportunity, and hope, rather than fear and repression. In closing, we express our appreciation to the members of the Security Council The Secretary-General, UNAMID leadership, and all United Nations personnel serving under extremely difficult circumstances. Their work remains essential, and their safety, freedom of movement, and unhindered access throughout Afghanistan, including for Afghan women staff, must be fully respected. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Afghanistan for the statement. There are no further names inscribed in the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.