The United Nations General Assembly has approved by a majority vote a resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, which contains sharp criticism of the radical Taliban movement that governs the country. The corresponding vote took place on July 7, Fergana.ru reports, citing Amu.tv.
According to media reports, the document condemning the Taliban was supported by 116 countries, with only two members of the General Assembly voting against, including the United States. It is noted that many states with influence in the Asian region abstained. In particular, Russia, China, India and Iran took a similar position. The publication suggested that the key players were thus showing "geopolitical caution."
The resolution was submitted by Germany, Ireland and Sweden. It includes conclusions from the directives of the UN Security Council, the Secretary General of the organization, as well as assessments of the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. In essence, the authors of the document sharply condemn the policy of the Taliban, which restricts access to education for girls, the work of non-governmental structures, freedom of movement for women, etc. Such actions of the authorities are characterized as "brutal, widespread and systematic."
In this regard, the UN demands that the Taliban end its policy of oppressing women, as their active participation in public life is essential for peace, development and stability in the country.
By the way, the resolution calls on international financial donors to provide prompt and unhindered assistance to Afghanistan, since millions of citizens, especially women and children, are in dire need.
The experts also condemn the Taliban's censorship and violence against media workers and human rights defenders, calling on Kabul to respect guarantees of freedom of speech and access to information. At the same time, the UN demanded that the radical movement punish people involved in illegal detentions and extrajudicial executions, as well as ensure the safety of international humanitarian services and diplomats.
In addition, the document calls on the Afghan authorities to adopt a comprehensive plan to protect civilians and minority communities.
The General Assembly expressed concern about the presence of a number of terrorist groups in the country, such as the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda and other extremists.
The authors of the resolution also draw attention to the growth of methamphetamine and opium production. In this case, it is indicated to establish a strict ban on the cultivation of crops containing narcotic substances and to change the strategy for the development of agriculture in agricultural provinces.
As the document emphasizes, Afghanistan's sustainable future depends on the formation of an inclusive government capable of representing all social groups. Therefore, the UN calls on the Taliban to resume intra-state dialogue and expand participation in the country's governance for representatives of other political forces and individual citizens who are not part of the radical movement.