UN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mission In Afghanistan Until 2026
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until March 17, 2026.
Russia’s representative at the UNSC stated that lasting peace in Afghanistan is possible but requires a comprehensive and pragmatic approach, including engagement with the Taliban.
Pakistan, which supported the extension, identified terrorism as Afghanistan’s main challenge. Its representative accused the Taliban of failing to contain ISIS and alleged their involvement in attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Citing recent attacks in Pakistan, he claimed to have evidence of financial links to sources in Afghanistan and urged the Security Council to take immediate action.
The extended UNAMA mandate includes monitoring human rights, women’s and girls’ rights, peace and security, economic and humanitarian conditions, counterterrorism, drug trafficking, refugees, and the impact of natural disasters.
UNAMA was originally established on March 28, 2002, under UNSC Resolution 1401, to support the Afghan people. However, the Taliban has dismissed its mission as a “failure.” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused the UN agency of issuing negative and inaccurate reports that misrepresent Afghanistan’s situation, claiming they distort the country’s image within the UN.
