S/PV.9880 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Afghanistan to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/161, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by all Council members. I would like to thank all of the members of the Council for sponsoring the draft resolution, which is now a presidential text. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/109, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2777 (2025). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

China welcomes the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2777 (2025), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year. That demonstrates the Council’s strong support for the Mission and the people of Afghanistan. China is very pleased to have initiated the consultation process on the resolution in February. In March, we worked with Denmark, President of the Council, to advance subsequent consultations. And finally, we arrived at the text acceptable to all members. We would like to thank each and every Security Council member for their constructive participation. In particular, we would like to extend our special thanks to Denmark for its friendly cooperation. The resolution renews the firm commitment to Afghanistan’s, sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. The resolution captures the positions, expectations and concerns of the Security Council regarding the current multiple challenges in Afghanistan in the light of the evolving circumstances. The resolution notes the problems confronting Afghanistan, such as insufficient economic and humanitarian funding and blocked aid. It calls for greater assistance and reiterates the need to help Afghanistan rebuild its banking and financial system. The assets of the Afghan Central Bank are to be utilized to benefit the Afghan people. Afghanistan is now at a critical stage in its peaceful reconstruction. It is incumbent upon international community to urgently provide more support in terms of development, humanitarian assistance, narcotics control and the fight against terrorism. There is also a need for more engagement with the Afghan interim Government to achieve positive interactions. We hope that interim Government in Afghanistan will take more visible actions and respond positively to the legitimate concerns of the international community. We support UNAMA in continuing its bridging role to synergize the efforts of the international community and help Afghanistan to reintegrate further into the community of the nations. China stands ready to work with members of the Security Council and to follow the development of the situation in Afghanistan closely, push for more effective actions and provide more assistance in resolving issues on this file.

The Russian Federation voted in favour of resolution 2777 (2025), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for a period of 12 months. We welcome the efforts of our Chinese and Danish colleagues with a view to finding compromise solutions with due regard for the reality on the ground. The outcome is a collective product that emphasizes support for the Afghan people in building a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, one that is free from terrorism and narcotic drugs. The main point is that UNAMA’s tasks remain unchanged. We believe that the established parameters allow the Mission to fully fulfil its mandate and carry out its activities in Afghanistan at a critical time for the country. We note the selfless efforts of United Nations personnel in Afghanistan, specifically those of Ms. Otunbayeva, Head of UNAMA. They have been discharging their mandate under very trying conditions and in good faith. We remain convinced that the consistent support of the Security Council for the efforts of UNAMA send a strong signal to Afghans about our overall commitment, as the international community, to long-awaited peace and stability in this long-suffering country. The imperative remains maintaining pragmatic cooperation between UNAMA and the de facto authorities with a view to discussing a host of issues, in keeping with UNAMA’s mandate. One of those priorities is the Mission’s efforts on the humanitarian front and its ability to discharge its duties with regard to the coordination of the international humanitarian assistance being offered to the country, including first and foremost providing assistance to the most vulnerable groups — women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. That is particularly important given the unresolved issue of frozen assets, as well as unprecedented unilateral sanctions. We remain convinced that building long-term peace in Afghanistan is impossible without the formulation of a comprehensive and realistic approach whose ultimate aim is Afghanistan’s reintegration at the international level. The basis for that is an objective and balanced assessment and patient dialogue with the de facto authorities, including under the auspices of the United Nations. There are no alternatives to that, nor will there be. A speedy resolution of the current impasse and the successful implementation by UNAMA of its tasks depend on that.

Pakistan has voted in favour of resolution 2777 (2025), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) by one year. My Government remains committed to cooperating with UNAMA and Special Representative Otunbayeva in promoting peace, security and The initial draft of the resolution was circulated by China and Pakistan. We welcome Denmark’s role, as the President of the Council for this month, in facilitating the resolution, and we welcome its unanimous adoption. Apart from the need for adequate humanitarian assistance for destitute Afghans, Pakistan has consistently asserted that foremost among the challenges faced in Afghanistan is terrorism within and from Afghanistan. The Taliban Government has not been effective in eliminating the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham/Da’esh. It has tolerated several other terrorist groups and is complicit in the cross-border attacks against Pakistan by the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), together with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Majeed Brigade. Last week, the BLA and the Majeed Brigade launched an attack on a passenger train in Balochistan province in Pakistan, held hundreds of hostages on the train and killed 25 innocent people. Thirty-three terrorists were killed by Pakistani Special Forces in a bold rescue operation. Throughout the attack, the terrorists were in direct contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, from where the attack was planned and directed. We also have evidence that this attack was initiated and financed by our principal adversary using its proxies in Afghanistan. Yesterday there was a Bloomberg article with the headline: “Pakistan’s Economy Is Back. But So Is Terrorism”. That is no accident. The train attack and other such terrorist attacks that are taking place against Pakistan are clearly designed to destabilize Pakistan and, in particular, to disrupt Pakistan’s cooperation with China and the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan has therefore legitimately demanded that the international community and the Security Council address terrorism within and from Afghanistan as a matter of priority. We appreciate the press statement issued by the Council on 14 March, which, “condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack on a Jaffar Express Passenger Train ... and the taking of passengers as hostages. “The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.” (SC/16019) The statement also called on all States to cooperate actively with Pakistan to that end. Pakistan is also gratified that the resolution adopted by the Council today has, in its seventh preambular paragraph, expressed “serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan” and further reaffirmed its: “demand that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, to plan or finance terrorist acts, or to shelter and train terrorists, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country”. The resolution has also called on the Taliban to take active measures to combat terrorism. The Security Council and its counter-terrorism machinery must also take such active measures to secure the implementation of its decisions to address the challenge of terrorism within and from Afghanistan, particularly from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan, Al-Qaida, the TTP, the BLA and the Majeed Brigade. Those terrorist organizations pose a serious threat to peace and security in Afghanistan, in the region and globally.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Algeria, Sierra Leone and my own country, Somalia, plus Guyana (A3+). The A3+ welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2777 (2025) and commends the co-facilitators, China and Denmark, for their constructive engagement during the negotiation process. The renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reflects the unity of the Council in fostering prosperity and stability in Afghanistan, as well as advancing the well- being of its people. We encourage the international community to enhance the coordination and coherence of efforts to address the various challenges the country faces, as outlined in the resolution we just adopted, related to humanitarian access; economic development; governance; the human rights situation, including the ban on women’s and girls’ access to education and employment; counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. While we reiterate our firm commitment to the sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan, we renew our call for an inclusive approach underpinned by respect for the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Afghans. The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering support for the critical role of UNAMA and its continued field presence and operational effectiveness. We also express our deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and UNAMA personnel. The A3+ remains committed to working closely with the Security Council and international partners to advance peace and security in Afghanistan.

The Republic of Korea is pleased to have presented and voted in favour of resolution 2777 (2025), alongside our fellow members of the Security Council. We appreciate the efforts of the February and March presidencies of the Security Council — held by China and Denmark — in facilitating that process. From the very start, the Republic of Korea hoped to see three key elements reflected in this year’s renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We are encouraged to see all of them included in the text before us. First, we sought the preservation of UNAMA’s robust and comprehensive mandate. Secondly, we called for an update of the preambular section to reflect the Council’s views on the various challenges facing Afghanistan. This marks the first update of its kind since 2022. The Council’s consensual messages on critical issues — such as grave human rights abuses, the dire humanitarian and economic situation, terrorism, narcotics and refugees — will provide valuable context for UNAMA’s operations moving forward. Furthermore, we hope that the new paragraph on natural disasters will assist UNAMA in addressing the wide-ranging destabilizing impacts of climate- and environment-related challenges. Lastly, we emphasized the importance of maintaining the Council’s vigilance on the situation in Afghanistan through quarterly reporting. I would like to conclude by reaffirming that the betterment of the Afghan people, including women, girls and minorities, will remain a priority for the Republic of Korea throughout its term on the Security Council. Today the Council sent a message of its support for UNAMA. This adoption ensures that UNAMA remains a partner for the people of Afghanistan and the international community. We call on UNAMA to strengthen its efforts to promote Afghan’s enjoyment of human rights, particularly for women and girls. We support UNAMA’s work to help address the widespread humanitarian crisis and stabilize the economy, promote peace and stability and facilitate dialogue among all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders. The United States appreciates the efforts of UNAMA staff on the ground. We recognize that they are doing important work under difficult and often dangerous conditions. UNAMA’s reporting is important to informing the Council’s decisions on Afghanistan. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General reported last week (see S/PV.9875), it is up to the Taliban to demonstrate that they are willing to take the necessary steps to meet their counter-terrorism commitments and respect Afghanistan’s international legal obligations, as envisioned in the Organization’s independent assessment. While we appreciate UNAMA’s efforts to implement the independent assessment, UNAMA cannot substitute for the mechanisms needed to realize its goals. We reiterate our calls on the Secretary-General to implement resolution 2721 (2023).

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Denmark. Today the Council delivered on its mandate. In one, united, strong voice, we showed the Afghan people that we have not forgotten them. As president of the Council, Denmark was proud to co-lead negotiations with China towards a one-year extension of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Let me thank all Council members for their constructive engagement and flexibility throughout the process, which has led to this text being put forward as a presidential text. For the first time since 2022, UNAMA’s mandate has been renewed with important updates, reflecting the latest developments on the ground. For Denmark, it is particularly important that the continued and deteriorating human rights situation, especially for women and girls, is reflected. The Council’s message is clear. Women play an indispensable role in Afghan society. Their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in all stages of public life and decision-making must be ensured. With the extension of UNAMA’s mandate, the United Nations will be able to continue its important work to that end in order to restore Afghans’ ability to exercise their human rights, especially those of women and girls and members of minority communities. As the Taliban continues to systematically persecute and erase women and girls from Afghan society, it is more important than ever that UNAMA emphasize this work and that it continue to address a widespread humanitarian and economic crisis, promote peace and stability and facilitate dialogue among all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders; that it support the rights of all Afghans; and that it answer the countless calls for accountability, including from civil society representatives such as Azadah Raz Mohammad, just last week in the Chamber (see S/PV.9875). We stress the importance of accountability and full respect for international law. Persistent impunity is a driver of new serious international crimes. Denmark In conclusion, let me reaffirm Denmark’s full solidarity with the Afghan people. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Afghanistan.

We express our sincere gratitude for the unanimous adoption of resolution 2777 (2025) and for the Council’s unwavering commitment to peace, stability and human rights in Afghanistan. We thank the current and former Presidents of the Council for their leadership in facilitating its adoption. The resolution demonstrates the international community’s dedication to addressing the dire situation facing our country. We fully support the vital role of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Afghanistan. Its presence is imperative for promoting peace, stability and inclusive governance, particularly in monitoring and reporting on human rights violations, including the deteriorating situation of women and girls, in a transparent and impartial manner. The resolution rightly acknowledges Afghanistan’s multifaceted challenges: a devastating economic crisis, escalating humanitarian needs, rampant human rights violations and the growing threat of terrorism. It highlights the heartbreaking reality that Afghan women and girls continue to be deprived of their most basic rights to education, employment and participation in public life. The Taliban’s continued failure and unwillingness to address the situation, engage constructively and establish a just, inclusive and representative system of governance has impeded Afghanistan’s prospects for peace, stability and prosperity, leading our country into isolation and poverty. We strongly support the Council’s call for the immediate reversal of all policies that violate the fundamental rights of women and girls. Their empowerment is not only a moral imperative; but it is also critical for sustainable peace and development. Furthermore, UNAMA and other United Nations agencies’ continued presence in Afghanistan is essential for humanitarian aid delivery, human rights protection and facilitating dialogue towards an inclusive political settlement. We emphasize the importance of those agencies working with impartiality and transparency so as to ensure that international assistance reaches those most in need throughout Afghanistan. We thank all international partners for their firm support for Afghan women during the current session of the Commission on the Status of Women and urge continued unity in the international community’s principled engagement with Afghanistan. We appreciate the Council’s recognition of the dire economic and humanitarian situation in our country. Strengthening the banking and financial systems and enabling the use of Afghanistan’s Central Bank assets through a legitimate Government fully committed to its international obligations are crucial steps towards economic recovery. We call on the international community to increase humanitarian assistance in order to alleviate the suffering of our people. We reiterate the need to combat terrorism in all its forms. Sustainable peace and security must remain paramount goals in counter-terrorism efforts. We also acknowledge the importance of addressing the challenges posed by illicit drug cultivation, production and trafficking, as well as the exploitation of natural resources. Stabilizing Afghanistan and reintegrating it into the international system requires legitimate, inclusive and representative governance based on justice, the rule of law and the will of the Afghan people — governance that responds to the needs of both the Afghan people and the international community. Therefore, after over three years of political stalemate, we urge that initiating and facilitating an inclusive political dialogue remain a priority, alongside other aspects of UNAMA’s mandate. We urge all Member States to sustain their support for the people of Afghanistan and to continue advocating for a future where all Afghans, regardless of gender or ethnicity, can enjoy their rightful freedoms. We call for continued unity and a coherent approach in the international community’s principled engagement with Afghanistan. We look forward to continued constructive engagement with the United Nations and the international community in order to build a lasting peaceful, stable and prosperous future for all Afghans.