The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities and the establishment of a new government in Afghanistan that is united, inclusive, and representative. The Security Council has expressed deep concerns over reported serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
The UN Security Council issued a press statement that called for an immediate end to the violence in Afghanistan, the restoration of security, civil and constitutional order.
The UNSC members also called for urgent talks to resolve the current crisis of authority in the country and to arrive at a peaceful settlement through an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process of national reconciliation.
The statement comes as UNSC held a meeting on Afghanistan yesterday under the Indian presidency. The meeting comes a day after Kabul fell to the Taliban, seizing control of the presidential palace.
In the statement, the member countries underlined that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to the protection of civilians.
They underscored the particular situation of vulnerability of humanitarian and medical personnel, interpreters, and other international service providers.
The members of the Security Council called for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, and on all parties to allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other humanitarian actors providing assistance, including across conflict lines, to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches all those in need.
(AIR)
