UNSC condemns escalating violence in Afghanistan; refutes restoration of Islamic Emirate [full statement]

The United Nations Security Council has issued a statement condemning the escalating violence in Afghanistan while condemning the Taliban's attack on the UN compound in Herat. The UNSC also said they do not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate in the country.

The members of the Security Council condemned the deliberate attacks against civilians.This comes after the death of an Afghan security forces guard, as a result of an attack against the UN compound in Herat on July 30.

UNSC's full statement

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the deplorable attack against the United Nations compound in Herat, Afghanistan, on 30 July 2021, which resulted in the death of an Afghan security forces guard and several injured. The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern about the high levels of violence in Afghanistan following the Taliban's military offensive, and called for an immediate reduction of violence. They also expressed deep concern about the number of reported serious human rights abuses and violations in communities affected by the ongoing armed conflict across the country.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all instances of terrorism and deliberate targeted attacks against civilians. They recalled that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to the protection of civilians. They underlined that deliberate attacks targeting civilians, UN personnel and UN compounds may constitute war crimes, and stressed the urgent and imperative need to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and in this regard, emphasized the importance of the safety and security of UN personnel.

The members of the Security Council called on both the Islamic Republic and the Taliban to engage meaningfully in an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process in order to make urgent progress towards a political settlement and a ceasefire.

The members of the Security Council recognized that a sustainable peace can be achieved only through a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process that aims at a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, as well as an inclusive, just, and realistic political settlement to end the conflict in Afghanistan. They stressed the need for full, egual and meaningful participation of women in this regard.

The members of the Security Council recalled UNSC resolution 2513 (2020), reaffirmed that there is no military solution to the conflict, and declared that they do not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate.