Good Intentions: On the United Nations and the Taliban

As India ends its month-long presidency of the UN Security Council This week, the government claimed a victory of sorts for presiding over a session, which resulted in the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2593, condemned terrorism and urged the Taliban to ensure human rights in Afghanistan. The government has said that the proposal – sponsored by the US, UK and France – Addressed major Indian concerns, called on the Taliban to ensure the safe evacuation of Afghans wishing to leave Afghanistan and not allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorist activities. The passage of the resolution was timely, practically coinciding with the withdrawal of the last American troops from Kabul and the declaration of a complete victory for the Taliban. This was followed by three discussions chaired by India that set out expectations from the new regime in Afghanistan: the importance of upholding rights; Emphasizing an inclusive, negotiable political solution for the government, and condemning all terrorist acts, including recent terrorist acts Kabul airport attack; Preventing any future attacks, and countering the presence of UN designated entities. However, the resolution did not contain any consequential language that would give any real dent to the declared intentions of the UNSC, and acknowledges the Taliban regime in Afghanistan as the default force.

Although it is too early to consider further punitive action against the Taliban for violating their commitments. “Chapter 7” of the United Nations Charter The mandate, which empowers the UNSC to keep the peace, is disappointing given that the resolution, headed by India, does not contain language that would make the new system more accountable. The waterlogged language was probably due to strong opposition from Russia and China, who later decided to abstain. This division into P-5 nations would only prove counterproductive if the UNSC wanted to remain “seized” from the situation, as the resolution ratified. It is hoped that the UN system recognizes its powerful leverage in Afghanistan’s future and implements all mechanisms in its mandate to monitor the progress of government formation. is a major tool 1988 (Taliban) Sanctions Committee headed by India, due to be met soon, which needs to ensure that no designated leaders of the Taliban and their allies are resorted to money, weapons or travel permits unless they show a commitment to international principles . The renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission on September 17 is another lever in Afghanistan’s mandate. As a concerned neighbor of Afghanistan, which could be greatly affected by the increase in terrorism there, and a believer in the multilateral system led by the United Nations, India still has a role to play in Afghanistan’s future. Although it has decided to start talks with the Taliban in Doha, it should continue to play that role on the world stage.