UNAMA’s Presence Suffices: Islamic Emirate Opposes Special UN Representative for Afghanistan

Last Updated on April 4, 2024 5:01 am

In a recent development, Suhail Shaheen, the head of the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Doha, voiced strong opposition to the appointment of a special United Nations representative for Afghanistan. Shaheen emphasized that such an appointment is unnecessary given the existing presence of UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan).

Shaheen’s remarks came in response to Vanessa Frazier, the Permanent Representative of Malta and President of the Security Council, who expressed concerns over the lack of progress in appointing a special envoy for Afghanistan.

“We seek engagement with the international community on our own terms, guided by our interests and principles,” Shaheen stated in an interview with TOLOnews. “With UNAMA already in place, we fail to see the justification for another representative.”

Frazier, during a press conference, highlighted the importance of appointing a special envoy and urged for swift action. She also emphasized the need to address gender discrimination in Afghanistan, advocating for its inclusion in the Convention on the Prevention of Crimes against Humanity.

Najibullah Jami, a political analyst, urged the Islamic Emirate to undertake internal reforms, including reopening schools for girls, drafting a constitution, and making credible changes in the cabinet. Jami suggested that addressing these concerns might enhance the Islamic Emirate’s standing on the international stage.

The recent discussions at the United Nations General Assembly’s sixth committee session focused on drafting reforms and adjustments in the Convention on the Prevention of Crimes against Humanity, with a particular emphasis on criminalizing ‘gender apartheid.’