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The Taliban welcomed an United Nations formally extending the world body’s presence in Afghanistan on Friday, despite the fact that the Taliban’s government remains unrecognised by the international community. The resolution, which avoids the term “Taliban,” allows the UN to continue its work in Afghanistan, which is still reeling from decades of war and whose economy was devastated when the global community cut off aid as the group took power last year.
The UN has not yet recognised the Taliban’s choice of envoy to the body, and the resolution does not grant international recognition to the new government. The mission includes several lines of collaboration, including humanitarian and political issues, as well as human rights, including those of women, children, and journalists.
The extension of UNAMA’s mandate is a positive step, and we want them to work effectively to solve humanitarian and other issues in Afghanistan,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP on Friday.
“We will collaborate and coordinate with them.”
Since its inception in Afghanistan in 2002, UNAMA’s mandate has included humanitarian assistance, human rights advocacy, and political and regional cooperation.
Prior to last year, it also sought to protect civilians and support the peace process throughout the conflict.
“With this new mandate, the Council sends a clear message: UNAMA has a critical role to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, as well as supporting the Afghan people as they face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty,” said Norwegian UN senator Mona Juul, whose country drafted the resolution.
The crisis worsens
Afghanistan’s security situation appears to be improving months after the Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021, amid a hasty withdrawal of US-led foreign forces after 20 years of war.
However, the country’s humanitarian crisis has worsened since then.
