Security Council extends UN mission in Afghanistan for another year

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan for one more year so that it can continue to assist the Government as it assumes greater responsibility for ensuring the country’s security and development.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member body authorized the mission, known as UNAMA, to continue its activities until 23 March 2012, including in the fields of monitoring human rights, promoting good governance, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and assisting in the fight against corruption.

In his most recent report to the Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated UN support for the so-called “Kabul Process” that spells out a transition to greater Afghan responsibility and ownership, in both security and civilian areas.

“Our approach to the Kabul process and transition is based on three key principles; transition must be Afghan-owned; it must be planned and implemented in a sustainable manner; and it must ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all Afghans,” the Secretary-General wrote.

UNAMA has been in place since March 2002, when following the fall of the Taliban, the Bonn Agreement established an interim Government and prescribed the drafting of a new constitution and the holding of elections.

Last week Staffan de Mistura, Mr. Ban’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, said that, with its 30 agencies, funds and programmes providing aid in every one of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, the UN stands ready to support the country’s assumption of the lead role in all aspects of governance, development, and efforts to achieve peace.

“The UN attaches great importance to its partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, and its institutions, to manage a successful transition process,” he told a meeting of the Council.

“We believe that our long experience in the country positions us to serve as a partner to the Government and the international community to support transition.”