The UN extends its mission in Afghanistan and demands a review in light of the country's growing challenges.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year. This decision comes as the country continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis and the international community maintains pressure on the Taliban authorities.

The resolution, drafted by China and endorsed by the 15 members of the Security Council, also requests the UN Secretary-General to conduct a comprehensive strategic review of the mission. A report detailing the findings of this assessment is to be submitted by the end of March.

Since returning to power in Kabul in 2021, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on Afghan women and girls. Access to education, employment, and certain public activities has been significantly curtailed, prompting repeated condemnations from numerous countries and international organizations.

China's ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, stated that Beijing hoped to see Afghan authorities adopt more ambitious measures regarding human rights, particularly women's rights. He also called on the Afghan government to project a more open, inclusive, and responsible image on the international stage.

The issue of Afghan women working for the United Nations was also raised. China and several other countries have called for full access to UN workplaces for these employees, whose presence in UN facilities has been restricted by the Taliban.

The United States supported the extension of the mission while welcoming the prospect of a strategic review of its operations. U.S. representative Jennifer Locetta stated that UNAMA should have a more focused mandate, better aligned with the organization's current objectives.

Washington also reiterated its criticism of the Taliban, calling on them to respect their commitments to fight terrorism, guarantee the fundamental rights of the population and end what US authorities call "hostage diplomacy", referring to the detention of American citizens in Afghanistan.