UNSC calls for united, inclusive Afghan govt

KABUL (Pajhwok): The UN Security Council has called for an immediate end to hostilities and the establishment, of a united, inclusive and representative government in Afghanistan.

Women should have full, equal and meaningful participation in the new Afghan government, the UNSC members said in a statement.

The powerful UN body underlined institutional continuity and adherence to Afghanistan’s international obligations. as well as the safety of all Afghan and international citizens, must be ensured.

Issued today by Security Council President TS Tirumurti, Indian permanent representative, the statement stressed the restoration of security, civil and constitutional order.

The UNSC members urged urgent talks to resolve the current crisis of authority in the country and to arrive at a peaceful settlement through an Afghan-led process of national reconciliation.

They believed a sustainable end to the conflict could be achieved only through an inclusive, just, durable and realistic political settlement that upholds human rights, including for women, children and minorities.

The members of the Security Council called on parties to adhere to international norms and standards on human rights and put an end to all abuses and violations in this regard.

They expressed deep concern about the number of reported serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses in communities affected by the ongoing conflict across the country.

While stressing the imperative to bring the perpetrators to justice, they asked all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including the protection of civilians.

They particularly referred to the situation of vulnerability of humanitarian and medical personnel, interpreters and other international service providers.

They called for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, and on all parties to allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for UN humanitarian agencies.

The statement also underscored similar access to other humanitarian actors providing assistance, including across conflict lines, to ensure that the aid reached all those in need.

The Security Council reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure its territory was not used to threaten or attack any country.

Neither the Taliban nor any other Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any other country, they added.

Reiterating their support for the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), they stressed the safety of UN personnel as well as of diplomatic and consular personnel of member states.

pr/mud