Press stakeout by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Adoption, Agenda item “The situation in Afghanistan”

As co-penholders on Afghanistan, we welcome the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2678 renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year and Resolution 2679 establishing an independent assessment.
 
I will address the resolution on the UNAMA mandate, and Lana will explain the resolution on the independent assessment. For the mandate renewal, the Security Council expressed its strong support for UNAMA. In the midst of enormous challenges confronting Afghanistan and its people, including the dire humanitarian and economic situation, the persistent threat of terrorism, and above all the deprivation of opportunities for women and girls in education and employment. The UN’s engagement with the Taliban through UNAMA is more crucial than ever.
 
Under the extended mandate, UNAMA will continue its engagement with all stakeholders toward peace and stability in Afghanistan. All of the mandate components are crucial for addressing the complex challenges. UNAMA will keep coordinating and facilitating humanitarian and basic human needs assistance for those in dire need. UNAMA will continue working to protect and promote human rights, including for women and children, including through monitoring and reporting. Promoting inclusive political dialogue is yet another essential element in the mandate.  
 
We expect UNAMA to continue to exercise its irreplaceable role under a renewed and robust mandate at this critical time.

Thank you.