Afghanistan: UNSC adopts resolution calling Taliban rulers to reverse crackdown on women

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to swiftly reverse their crackdown on women and to combat various groups inside Afghanistan. The resolution extends the UN political mission in Afghanistan until June 17 next year, and authorises the mission to support humanitarian aid deliveries and to promote national and local governance without any discrimination. The resolution’s adoption follows the arrest of 30 women in the western city of Herat this month for allegedly violating the Taliban’s strict dress code. The resolution authorises the UN mission to facilitate talks between the Taliban and regional countries and the wider international community.