The UN Security Council on Friday extended the mandate of the UN Assistance
Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for six months following the Islamic Emirate
takeover of the country on August 15.

The 15-member council asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to
report by Jan. 31, 2022 “on strategic and operational recommendations for
the mandate of UNAMA, in light of recent political, security and social
developments.”

Meanwhile, Norway and Estonia said in a statement on Friday that the
“UNAMA will maintain its current broad and flexible mandate, which
includes: human rights, ‘Women, Peace and Security, and humanitarian
assistance.”

As the situation in Afghanistan remains unpredictable. The members of the
Security Council have agreed to use the next half year to assess how UNAMA
best can support the people of Afghanistan going forward.

“We will continue to support the work of women peacebuilders and human
rights defenders both in and outside of Afghanistan. In our talks with the
Taliban (Islamic Emirate), we will remain steadfast on women’s rights and
inclusion,” the statement read.

Norway and Estonia have also called on the Islamic Emirate to set up an
inclusive government that “would uphold human rights, including for women,
children, and minorities.

“As penholders, Estonia and Norway will continue to support and strengthen
the voices of women peacebuilders and human rights defenders in
Afghanistan. Afghan women are pillars of society and must play an
essential role in building sustainable peace and stability in
Afghanistan.”