UN Security Council extends Afghan mission for one year, orders strategic review
The Security Council voted unanimously to renew the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) through 17 June 2027, ordering a strategic review amid tensions over Taliban restrictions on women and aid worker access.
The 15-member body adopted the Chinese-drafted resolution on Monday, prolonging a mission that dates to 2002 and coordinates humanitarian aid, political dialogue and human-rights monitoring.
Humanitarian crisis and restrictions
Afghanistan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies. Since seizing power in Kabul in 2021, the Taliban has imposed sweeping curbs on women and girls, including limits on education, employment and sport, drawing broad international condemnation. The authorities have also barred Afghan female staff from entering UN premises, a restriction that several Security Council members called on the Taliban to lift.
The resolution demonstrates firm support for UNAMA’s work.
We hope the Afghan government will take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women and project an image of openness, inclusivity and responsibility.
The vote and what it requires
The resolution extends UNAMA’s mandate until 17 June 2027. It also directs the UN Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of the mission and submit a report by the end of March next year. The review was a key demand of the United States, which had earlier pushed for a shorter, technical rollover to allow a broader reassessment of the mission’s priorities.
- Security Council extends UNAMA mandate for three months after US calls for review
- Council unanimously renews mandate until 17 June 2027 and orders strategic review
- Deadline for Secretary-General to submit strategic review report
- UNAMA mandate expires
Earlier short-term renewal
In March 2026 the Council granted only a three-month extension after Washington argued the mandate needed a fundamental re-evaluation. US representative Jennifer Locetta cited Taliban obstruction, its use of what she called “hostage diplomacy” by detaining innocent Americans, and the regime’s restrictions on women’s rights as reasons for a thorough overhaul.
Diplomatic positions
China’s ambassador welcomed the unanimous vote and urged the Taliban to protect rights and show openness. Russia’s representative, Anna Evstigneeva, said Moscow had accepted the idea of a strategic review but stressed it must be coordinated with Afghan authorities and focus on humanitarian and development needs, not on oversight in the interest of Western states.
The US delegate, Locetta, welcomed the review plan and insisted the Taliban must meet its counterterrorism commitments, respect human rights and end hostage diplomacy. All three diplomats spoke during the Council session.
