Australia leads on UN Security Council resolution in support of Afghanistan

Today the UN Security Council unanimously adopted an Australian-led resolution that reflects the international community's support for the Afghanistan Government as it takes full responsibility for security across the country. The security transition will be complete at the end of 2014, when the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission concludes.

Today's resolution gives Council support to a new NATO-led, non-combat mission to Afghanistan, to be known as Resolute Support. This mission will help to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces as they continue to combat insurgency, terrorism and the Taliban threat. Australia will contribute to the Resolute Support mission.

The adoption of resolution 2189 is particularly important because of the emphasis it places not only on security but also on protection of human rights in Afghanistan, in particular for women and children, democracy, development and the fight against corruption.

During our term on the Council in 2013-14, Australia has held the position of coordinator for Afghanistan and has led negotiations on peace and security issues. Australia has ensured the Council maintained a priority focus on human rights issues in Afghanistan, particularly in relation to the rights of women and girls.

Australia remains committed to supporting a stable, prosperous, and self-reliant Afghanistan. We are working with Afghanistan's new government on its reform agenda to improve the lives of the Afghan people and we will continue to provide development assistance in the areas of economic growth, empowering women and girls, and humanitarian assistance.