Resolution 2596 (2021)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 8862nd meeting, on 17 September 2021
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolution 2543 (2020) extending through 17 September 2021 the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA),
Stressing the important role that the United Nations will continue to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan, as well as its continued support for the people of Afghanistan,
Emphasizing the importance of the establishment of an inclusive and representative government, further emphasizing the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, and upholding human rights, including for women, children and minorities,
Recognizing the need for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the important coordination role of the United Nations in this regard, and reaffirming that the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance requires all parties to allow full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other humanitarian actors,
Reaffirming the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan, including those designated by the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), and ensuring that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, to plan or finance terrorist acts, or to shelter and train terrorists, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country,
1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 2 September 2021 (S/2021/759);
2. Expresses its appreciation for the United Nations’ long-term commitment to support the people of Afghanistan and reiterates its full support to the work of UNAMA and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General;
3. Decides to extend until 17 March 2022 the mandate of UNAMA, as defined in its resolution 2543 (2020);
4. Stresses the critical importance of a continued presence of UNAMA and other United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes across Afghanistan, and calls upon all Afghan and international parties to coordinate with UNAMA in the implementation of its mandate and to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations and associated personnel throughout the country;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a written report to the Security Council by 31 January 2022 on strategic and operational recommendations for the mandate of UNAMA, in light of recent political, security and social developments, further requests the Secretary-General to brief the Council on the situation in Afghanistan and the work of UNAMA every other month until 17 March 2022;
6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.