Security Council renews UN mandate in Afghanistan

Media release

18 March 2014

I welcome the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Security Council on 17 March of a resolution renewing the mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for a further twelve months.

Resolution 2145, drafted and negotiated by Australia as policy coordinator on Afghanistan in the Security Council, demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the UN and the international community to Afghanistan and its people through this transition period.

This year is pivotal for Afghanistan.The Afghan Government has assumed responsibility for security, and the presidential election in April will be an opportunity to advance the process of political transition.

Australia has worked with UNSC members to bolster the role of the UN in supporting the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Resolution 2145 includes new and strengthened provisions to support political participation by Afghan women, enhance protection from sexual violence and hold perpetrators of gender-based violence to account, and maintain legislative protections for Afghan women.

The resolution also ensures the UN can continue to support Afghan-led efforts to strengthen governance, build capacity and direct much-needed resources to the Afghan people.