On Friday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one more year.

Japan, tasked with overseeing the Afghanistan portfolio at the Security Council, was the architect behind the resolution.

During the UN Security Council meeting, Japan's delegate reaffirmed the country's ongoing commitment to the Afghan populace and its support for UNAMA's pivotal role.

Highlighting the acute human rights challenges, particularly concerning women and girls, along with the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the Japanese envoy underscored the indispensability of UNAMA at this critical juncture.

The extension of UNAMA's mission, according to the Japanese representative, signals a robust commitment from the United Nations, endorsed by the Security Council, to persistently support the Afghan people, especially those facing adversity.

UNAMA's Role

Established on March 28, 2002, by UN Security Council Resolution 1401, UNAMA aims to assist Afghanistan's development and humanitarian needs.

The Security Council annually reviews and, as needed, extends UNAMA's mandate to align with Afghanistan's evolving requirements.

The UN's involvement in Afghanistan dates back to 1946 when Afghanistan joined the UN General Assembly, with UN agencies such as UNICEF operating in the country since 1949.

UNAMA's main office is located in Kabul, with additional operations spread across Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries, Iran and Pakistan.

The mission employs approximately 1,187 staff members, including 799 Afghan nationals and 293 individuals from other countries.

Following the Taliban's ascent to power and the subsequent imposition of strict constraints on women's participation, female UNAMA employees have been barred from their duties.

Roza Otunbayeva, former Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, currently serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and leads UNAMA.