UN Security Council adopts resolution urging appointment of special envoy for Afghanistan

The United Nations Security Council endorsed a resolution advocating for the designation of a special envoy to engage with Afghanistan and its Taliban leadership.

This decision comes in response to an independent assessment report from November, which emphasized the necessity for increased involvement with Afghanistan post the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021.

The resolution specifically tasks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with appointing a special envoy to champion the recommendations outlined in the independent report, with a particular focus on gender and human rights concerns. The resolution received support from 13 Security Council members, while Russia and China opted to abstain.

Japan’s UN ambassador, Yamazaki Kazuyuki, stated before the vote, “The UAE and Japan firmly believe the independent assessment serves as the best basis for discussions going forward.” He highlighted the resolution’s emphasis on enhancing international engagement in a more coherent, coordinated, and structured manner, aligning with the findings of the independent assessment.

As designated “pen-holders” for the Afghanistan issue, the United Arab Emirates and Japan played a pivotal role in raising concerns about the situation in Afghanistan at the Security Council. 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 approach than their rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban has gradually re-imposed restrictions, particularly impacting women. Recent prohibitions, such as the exclusion of teenage girls from most secondary schools and the barring of women from universities, have sparked global outrage and led to protests in various Afghan cities.

In November 2022, additional restrictions were enforced, preventing women from entering parks, funfairs, gyms, and public baths. The United States expressed strong support for the resolution, with its representative affirming, “A Special Envoy will be well positioned to coordinate international engagement on Afghanistan, including with relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders.”