The UNSC will hold a meeting on Afghanistan next week, featuring a briefing by Roza Otunbayeva. Denmark’s Christina Markus Lassen will chair the session. Subsequent sessions in March will further address human rights issues concerning Afghan women and extend UNAMA’s mandate. Meanwhile, significant developments in Afghanistan include the return of Sirajuddin Haqqani and the apprehension of an ISIS leader, showcasing ongoing security concerns.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has convened a meeting focused on the current situation in Afghanistan, set for next week. Esteemed Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, will provide insight during this session. It will be chaired by Christina Markus Lassen, Denmark’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
Chairperson Lassen indicated that an additional two sessions on Afghanistan are slated for March, including a quarterly meeting and further discussions on extending UNAMA’s mandate. The first session is scheduled for March 10, concentrating on the human rights issues affecting Afghan women and girls, with civil society activists invited to contribute.
While specific details of Otunbayeva’s report remain undisclosed, there is speculation that it will address human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of women and girls. Germany’s Foreign Minister has criticized the restrictive measures imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, cautioning that these actions will have dire consequences.
The UN Settlement Programme has stressed their commitment to supporting Afghan women and girls, especially ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. The agency emphasized the importance of education, healthcare, and access to essential services for the well-being of Afghan women and girls. Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has expressed dissatisfaction with UNAMA’s effectiveness in Afghanistan.
In related news, the Islamic Emirate has confirmed that acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has returned to Kabul after receiving medical treatment. His spokesperson stated that Haqqani is currently resting. Reports had previously suggested that he was in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Following his return, Mujahid discussed the presence of Daesh, alleging that the group has established a training center in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, asserting that the endeavor is backed by Islamabad and its military.
In a separate matter, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s role in the arrest of a key ISKP operational commander linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. Sharif stated that the suspect, an Afghan national named Shareefullah, was apprehended during a significant operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
In Trump’s address to Congress, he confirmed the arrest facilitated by Pakistan and emphasized its importance for justice. He labeled the capture of the suspect, Mohammad Sharifullah, a leader within an ISIS (Daesh) faction, as a pivotal moment for the families affected by the tragedy.
Finally, US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the suspect would be taken into custody in the US, expressing hope that this action would provide closure to the families of those who lost their lives during the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The pending UNSC meeting on Afghanistan underscores the ongoing focus on human rights issues, particularly regarding women and girls, amid rising concerns regarding their rights under current governance. In parallel, developments within Afghanistan, including the return of Sirajuddin Haqqani and Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism efforts, highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics affecting the region. As discussions unfold, the international community continues to monitor these events closely, aiming to advocate for the rights and well-being of the Afghan populace, particularly vulnerable groups.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
