Wednesday, March 23, 2011
UNSC Extends Mission In Afghanistan For Another Year
The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously yesterday to extend the mandate of the UN mission in Afghanistan for one more year so that it can continue to assist the Afghanistan Government as it assumes greater responsibility for ensuring the country’s security and development.
Under the new resolution, the UN mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, will 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. He stated: “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.”
UNAMA has been in place since March 2002, when the Bonn Agreement established an interim Government and prescribed the drafting of a new constitution and the holding of elections.
(Adapted from a UN Press Release)
(cgb)
https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2011/03/unsc-extends-mission-in-afghanistan-for-another-year.html
There is still much work to be done in Afghanistan. The Security Councils decision to extend the effort another year clearly has merit. However, there must be a substation amount of emphasis put on the idea of Afghani responsibility. The day is rapidly approaching when there will be no United States or UN at all in the country. Will Afghanistan sink or swim?
Posted by: Matt F | Mar 24, 2011 6:08:57 PM