The Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution on Afghanistan after the Taliban's return to power, focusing on counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance.
Resolution 2593 demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country, or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist acts.
It reiterates the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan and notes the Taliban's relevant commitments.
The resolution, which was adopted with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions, calls for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
It calls on all parties to allow full, safe, and unhindered access for the United Nations, its specialized agencies and implementing partners, and all humanitarian actors engaged in humanitarian relief activity, to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches all those in need.
It calls on all donors and international humanitarian actors to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and major Afghan refugee-hosting countries, and underlines that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to the protection of civilians.
The resolution reaffirms the importance of upholding human rights, including those of women, children and minorities; encourages all parties to seek an inclusive, negotiated political settlement, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, that responds to the desire of Afghans to sustain and build on Afghanistan's gains over the last 20 years in adherence to the rule of law; and underlines that all parties must respect their obligations.
The resolution notes Friday's statement of the Taliban, in which the Taliban committed that Afghans will be able to travel abroad, may leave Afghanistan anytime they want to, and may exit Afghanistan via any border crossing, both air and ground, including at the re-opened and secured Kabul airport, with no one preventing them from traveling.
It expects the Taliban to adhere to these and all other commitments, including regarding the safe, secure, and orderly departure from Afghanistan of Afghans and all foreign nationals.
It strongly condemns Thursday's terrorist attacks near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul perpetrated by an affiliate of the Islamic State terrorist group, and takes note of the Taliban's condemnation of the attacks.
The resolution takes note of the dangerous security situation around the airport and expresses concern that intelligence indicates further terrorist attacks may take place in the area. It calls on the relevant parties to work with international partners to take steps to strengthen security and to prevent further casualties, and requests that every effort be made to allow for the rapid and secure re-opening of the Kabul airport and its surrounding area.
Russia and China abstained. All the remaining 13 members of the Security Council voted in favor.
