UN Security Council voices ‘deep concern’ about situation in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AA) – The UN Security Council has voiced grave concern about the situation in Afghanistan.

“The members of the Security Council are deeply concerned with the continuing negative impact of the Taliban’s policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms on Afghanistan’s peace, stability and development and its people,” it said in a statement.

The members had gathered December 12 for a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, where they reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan.

The members emphasized the need to ensure the “full, equal, meaningful and safe” participation of women and girls in Afghanistan for the country’s future and long-term development, and urged the Taliban to “swiftly” reverse these policies and practices.

According to the statement, the members also expressed their “deep concern” for the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Reaffirming that terrorism constitutes “one of the most serious threats” to peace and security in Afghanistan, the members called on the Taliban to take “active measures” to strengthen its efforts to combat terrorism.

They stressed the important role that the UN will continue to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, and expressed appreciation for the UN’s long-term commitment to support Afghans.

They emphasized the importance of developing a political roadmap to be discussed with all relevant stakeholders to achieve an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors, according to the statement.

The Taliban returned to rule Afghanistan in August 2021 after more than two decades of US occupation.

The interim setup continues to follow a highly conservative interpretation of religious law that is rejected by mainstream Muslim scholarship.

Afghanistan is also facing hunger and the risk of malnutrition and poverty after the withdrawal of foreign aid that had sustained the war torn country for decades.