7403rd Security Council metting on the situation in Afghanistan

Adopting Resolution 2210 (2015), Security Council Renews Mandate of United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, Role in Overseeing International Civilian Efforts
7403rd Meeting (AM)

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 03:05:58
• Production Date: 16 March 2015
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN - UNAMA
• Subject Topical: CIVILIANS; CONFLICT SITUATION; ECONOMY; PEACE AND SECURITY; TERRORISM
• Geographic Subject: AFGHANISTAN
• MAMS Id: 1316055
• Parent Id: 1315452

Description

Special Representative Says Recent Developments Bringing ‘Renewed Hope’ for Active Peace Process, National Unity Government Taking Shape

Welcoming the completion of the transition process in Afghanistan and the launch of its 2015-2024 Transformation Decade, the Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in that country (UNAMA) for another year, until 17 March 2016, until and decided that it and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative would continue to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts on achieving established priorities.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2210 (2015), the Council underscored the importance of sustainable democratic development in that country with all national institutions acting within their defined competence. It stressed the role of UNAMA in supporting an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process of peace and reconciliation, while continuing to assess its human rights and gender implications.

Briefing the Council before the adoption, Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, said a number of developments had brought “renewed hope” for an active peace process in the country. The National Unity Government was taking shape, with the nomination and approval of various ministers.

Welcoming the renewal of the mandate, Zahir Tanin, Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative, said the resolution was a testament to the continuing partnership between his country and the international community. The Council’s call for a full examination of the role, structure and activities of all United Nations entities in Afghanistan, in full consultation and engagement with the Government and key stakeholders, sent a clear message of dedication to long-term, effective support to Afghanistan.

In the ensuing debate, speakers lauded the gains Afghans had made in the political sphere, while underscoring the threats continuing extremist violence, the narcotics trade and sluggish economic growth posed to enduring peace and stability.

The representative of the United States said statistics could not capture the tremendous humanitarian impact of that violence, and continued professionalism of Afghan security and defence forces was crucial to stability, as well as the promotion of human rights. In a similar vein, the representative of the Russian Federation expressed concern that 2014 was the worst year on record for civilian casualties, saying: “This is a regrettable scorecard for the new history of Afghanistan.” He expressed concern at broadening geographical activities and the rise of ISIL/ISIS, calling on the Council to draw up a joint activities report to stop their activities.

China’s representative said strengthening regional cooperation was central to building lasting peace and security in Afghanistan, and would provide a resilient foundation for economic development. India’s representative added that Afghanistan’s economic transition must be supported by a private sector-led process.

Pakistan’s representative said the Taliban would test the Afghan National Security Forces, while noting that there were “encouraging” signs they might negotiate with the National Unity Government.

Also making statements today were the representatives of Spain, Malaysia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Jordan, United Kingdom, Chad, Venezuela, Nigeria, Angola, Chile, France, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Turkey, Iran, Australia and Slovakia, as well as a representative of the European Union Delegation.

The meeting began at 10:07 a.m. and ended at 1:15 p.m.