UNSC extends Afghan mission

NEW YORK:

The United Nations Security Council on Monday voted to extend the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year amid calls to streamline the operation and strong criticism of the country's Taliban rulers.

The 15-member council voted unanimously in favor of the extension in a text drafted by China, which calls on the U.N. secretary-general to conduct a strategic review of the mission and submit a report by the end of March next year.

China's UN ambassador Fu Cong said China hoped the Afghan government would, "take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women and project an image of openness, inclusivity and responsibility".

China and others also called for full access to UN workplaces for Afghan female staff barred by the Taliban from UN premises.

The US representative to the meeting, Jennifer Locetta, welcomed the plan for a strategic review and stressed the need

for a "streamlined, fit-for-purpose" UNAMA mandate.