The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution urging the appointment of a special envoy for Afghanistan to enhance diplomatic relations with the country and its Taliban leadership.
This decision came in response to an independent assessment report from November that advocated increased engagement with Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The resolution specifically calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to designate a special envoy to advance the recommendations of the independent report, with a focus on gender and human rights issues.
The resolution received approval with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained from voting. Japan’s UN ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki stated, “The UAE and Japan firmly believe the independent assessment serves as the best basis for discussions going forward,” before the vote.
Both the United Arab Emirates and Japan are responsible for addressing the Afghanistan situation at the Security Council as “pen-holders” for the issue.
It’s noteworthy that the Taliban government lacks official recognition from any country or international body, and the United Nations refers to it as the “Taliban de facto authorities.”
Despite initial assurances of a more lenient form of Islamic rule, similar to their earlier rule from 1996 to 2001, the Talibans have reintroduced certain restrictions, particularly impacting women.
Recent prohibitions on teenage girls attending most secondary schools and women accessing universities have sparked global outrage and protests in Afghan cities.
In November 2022, women were also barred from entering parks, funfairs, gyms, and public baths.
The United States expressed strong support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of a UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan in coordinating international engagement with relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders.
