President,

The Security Council has just unanimously adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year. As the penholder, China thanks all Council members for their support and cooperation. I would like to highlight the following points in connection with the resolution.

First, the resolution demonstrates the Security Council’s firm support for the work of UNAMA. It maintains and strengthens UNAMA’s core mandates, including coordinating international assistance, providing outreach and good offices, and promoting the protection of human rights, while streamlining outdated or redundant mandates as necessary. This will help UNAMA focus on its key responsibilities, better respond to developments on the ground in Afghanistan, and address the concerns of the international community. The resolution underscores the critical importance of UNAMA and relevant UN entities in carrying out their mandates in Afghanistan, calls for the provision of the necessary facilitation and security guarantees for UN operations, and urges the removal of restrictions preventing Afghan women working for the United Nations from accessing UN premises.

Second, the resolution expresses deep concern over Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian situation. UNAMA should continue to encourage the international community, particularly traditional donors, to increase assistance, support Afghanistan in addressing the humanitarian crisis, facilitating the reintegration of returnees, promoting economic recovery and regional cooperation, and strengthening its capacity for self-reliant development. The resolution also requests UNAMA to facilitate the access to assets belonging to Afghanistan’s Central Bank for the benefit of the Afghan people. We call on relevant countries to return the assets of Afghanistan’s Central Bank as soon as possible and lift the illegal unilateral sanctions imposed on Afghanistan, so as to create favorable conditions for the country’s reconstruction and development.

Third, the resolution reiterates grave concern over the human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the rights of women and girls. In accordance with the resolution, UNAMA should continue its engagement with the Afghan authorities and other relevant stakeholders, and encourage Afghanistan to effectively safeguard the fundamental rights of its people, especially the equal rights of women and girls in education, healthcare, employment, justice, and participation in public life. We hope that the Afghan government will heed the reasonable aspirations of the Afghan people and the international community, take more positive steps to protect human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, and demonstrate an image of openness, inclusiveness, and responsibility.

Fourth, the resolution reflects the international community’s expectation that Afghanistan will reintegrate into the international community. UNAMA should continue to play its role as a bridge, facilitating dialogue and engagement between the international community and the Afghan government, encouraging Afghanistan to pursue inclusive governance and moderate policies, fulfill its international obligations, and return to the international community at an early date. We support the UN-led Doha Process in playing its due role in this regard, and also support regional mechanisms, including the mechanism of coordination and cooperation among Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, the Moscow Format, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, in making greater contributions. The resolution also reaffirms the importance of countering terrorism. We hope that Afghanistan will strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with countries in the region, eliminate all terrorist forces, and safeguard common security.

President,

To support UNAMA in continuously enhancing its capacity and effectiveness in carrying out its mandate, the resolution requests the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic assessment of UNAMA and submit a report by the end of March next year. We look forward to the Secretariat consulting the Afghan government, regional countries, and other relevant stakeholders in this process, conducting an objective and impartial assessment, and putting forward practical and actionable recommendations.

China stands ready to continue working with other Security Council members to support UNAMA in better fulfilling its mandate and responsibilities, and to contribute to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

I thank you, President.