UN Security Council to Address Afghanistan’s Human Rights Issues Next Week

The UNSC will hold a pivotal meeting on Afghanistan next week, chaired by Christina Markus Lassen. This meeting, featuring Roza Otunbayeva, will focus on human rights issues, especially concerning women and girls. Concurrently, there are developments surrounding Afghanistan’s interior minister and Pakistan’s involvement in capturing a suspect linked to the Kabul airport bombing.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene for a meeting on Afghanistan next week, which will feature insights from Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA. The session will be chaired by Christina Markus Lassen, Denmark’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who noted that two additional sessions are expected in March, aimed at discussing human rights and UNAMA’s mandate extension.

The first session is scheduled for March 10 and will address the human rights situation pertaining to Afghan women and girls. The meeting will invite civil society activists, highlighting the growing concern for the rights of these vulnerable groups. Although details of Otunbayeva’s upcoming report remain undisclosed, it is anticipated to focus heavily on human rights issues, particularly affecting women and girls in Afghanistan.

Germany’s Foreign Minister has publicly condemned the restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, warning of long-term consequences from such actions. In anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8, the UN Settlement Programme reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights and empowerment of Afghan women and girls.

In an unrelated development, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate announced that acting Minister of Interior Affairs Sirajuddin Haqqani has returned to Afghanistan after receiving medical treatment abroad. Reports indicated that Haqqani was previously in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The spokesperson also addressed the activities of the Daesh group, stating that it has established a training center in Pakistan, allegedly funded by the Pakistani military.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s role in the arrest of a suspected Daesh operative linked to the Kabul airport bombing. Sharif confirmed that Pakistan’s security forces apprehended Shareefullah, the group’s operational commander, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation with the United States.

In a recent congressional address, President Trump announced that the terrorist responsible for the Kabul airport attack, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members, had been arrested. He thanked Pakistan for its partnership in this operation, conveying that the suspect would soon face justice in the United States. This incident reflects the broader security challenges and ongoing international relations surrounding efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

The UNSC meeting on Afghanistan signifies a crucial step in addressing human rights concerns, particularly the rights of women and girls, amid continued territorial and political issues. As the international community reacts to these developments, Pakistan reinforces its commitment in counter-terrorism efforts with significant support from the United States. The ongoing dialogue highlights both the challenges and international cooperation necessary to navigate the complex environment in Afghanistan.

Original Source: www.ariananews.af