UNSC Extends Afghanistan UNAMA Mission for Just 3 Months

DID Press: UN Security Council is set to extend the political mission of the United Nations in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for only three months—a highly unusual move, diverging from the traditional one-year extensions. The proposed text, agreed among Council members, extends the mission until June 17 rather than a full year.

China, leading the Council’s negotiations on Afghanistan, initially proposed a one-year extension, supported by most members. However, the United States advocated for a three-month extension for “technical continuity,” emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation before committing to a longer mandate. Diplomats noted that Washington considers UNAMA one of the costliest political missions, operating in an extremely complex environment.

Several Council members warned that a short-term extension could signal instability and weaken the mission’s field presence. Georgette Gannon, Deputy Special Representative and acting head of UNAMA, recommended a full-year extension, cautioning that a short mandate could undermine confidence in the UN’s work in Afghanistan.

The agreed draft reflects the U.S. proposal for a three-month extension while stressing the importance of UNAMA’s continued presence. It also expresses deep concern over the “widespread erosion” of human rights in Afghanistan and urges Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on women and girls, including access to education, work, healthcare, and participation in public life.

UNAMA, established in 2002 to coordinate international aid and support political engagement in Afghanistan, has played a central role in humanitarian coordination, political activities, and human rights monitoring since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The leadership post has been vacant since Roza Otunbayeva’s term ended in September 2025, and the draft emphasizes that the UN Secretary-General should appoint a new head for the mission.