12 February 2026

The Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations welcomes the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution S/2026/70, renewing the mandate of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the 1988 sanctions regime. The unity of the Security Council sends a clear and unequivocal message that the situation in Afghanistan remains a concern for the international community, and continues to constitute a matter of international peace and security, and demands sustained global attention.

The Permanent Mission welcomes the resolution’s firm condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and of terrorist activities and attacks, including the continuing threats posed by ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated groups, as well as kidnapping and hostage-taking. The resolution explicitly stresses that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack any country and calls on the Taliban to take active, tangible, and verifiable measures to counter terrorist groups. This position reinforces the principles of accountability and verifiable action as essential elements of regional and international stability.

The reaffirmation in the resolution that humanitarian assistance and activities supporting the basic needs of the population do not constitute a violation of the sanctions regime is also of particular importance to the Mission. The resolution further calls for full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, including the meaningful participation of women humanitarian workers. These provisions are vital to preventing further deterioration of Afghanistan’s already severe humanitarian and economic conditions.

The Permanent Mission also welcomes the Security Council’s strong emphasis on inclusive governance and full respect for human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, religious and ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Sustainable peace and long-term stability in Afghanistan will not be achievable without the equal participation and protection of the rights of all citizens.

The continuation of the 1988 sanctions framework and the Monitoring Team’s mandate provides a necessary instrument to ensure that counter-terrorism commitments, inclusive governance, and respect for fundamental rights remain central to international engagement with Afghanistan.