India-led UNSC adopts strong 7-point resolution on Afghanistan

New Delhi, August 31: Under India's presidency, the United Nations Security Council adopted a strong 7 point resolution on Afghanistan, which demands that Afghanistan should not provide a haven to the terrorists.

 

 

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla was chairing the UNSC meet under the Indian presidency in which the resolution was adopted."Today's resolution also highlights the importance of women's rights, minorities' rights... particularly Sikhs and Hindu minorities in Afghanistan. It has indicated a need for safe passage of people and to take necessary steps in its engagement with Afghanistan," Shringla said.

 

It should be noted that this was the first resolution adopted by the powerful 15 nation Council on the situation in Afghanistan. The resolution was proposed by France, UK, and the US while it was supported by the 13 countries, except China and Russia, who chose to abstain from voting.

The UN Security Council resolution demanded that the Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter, train terrorists, or plan or finance terrorist acts.

 

Moreover, it also demanded that the Taliban adhere to its assurances and allow safe passage for Afghans and foreigners who want to leave.

The resolution also calls for the strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and calls on all parties to allow full, safe, and unhindered access for the United Nations.

 

 

 

Additionally, it reaffirms the importance of upholding human rights including those of women, children, and minorities, and encourages all parties to seek an inclusive, negotiated political settlement with meaningful participation of women.

It has also addressed the dangerous security situation around Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul and has called for relevant parties to work with international partners to take steps to strengthen security. 

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