US Says Doha Process Cannot Replace UNAMA’s Role in Afghanistan
The United States Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations stated that the Doha political process cannot replace the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which continues to play a central role in addressing the situation in Afghanistan. She made these remarks during the Security Council vote to extend UNAMA’s mandate.
Jennifer Lochte, expressing appreciation for UNAMA staff, said that the mission carries out important responsibilities across Afghanistan under difficult and dangerous conditions, with its reports serving as the basis for Security Council decision-making. According to her, UNAMA’s role in managing the humanitarian crisis and supporting political dialogue is vital for strengthening peace and security; for this reason, the United States voted in favor of extending its mandate.
She further welcomed the drafting process of the resolution renewing UNAMA’s mission and stressed the need for an “efficient, focused, and mandate-appropriate” mission. She added that including a strategic review clause in the resolution could help eliminate redundant or unrealistic tasks and increase the mission’s effectiveness.
Lochte described the appointment of a new UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan as a significant step toward enhancing UNAMA’s efficiency and urged the Secretary-General to promptly appoint a qualified individual to this position.
She also called on the Taliban administration to fulfill its international obligations, especially regarding counterterrorism and respect for human rights, and to end restrictions on women and girls. Over the past more than four years, extensive restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women’s education, employment, and social participation have drawn widespread domestic and international criticism, forming a major concern for the United Nations.
The US representative emphasized that the United Nations must continue its efforts to achieve peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan and called on Security Council member states to cooperate effectively in this endeavor.
