Sanctions Monitoring Team Extended in Afghanistan Amid Calls for Pragmatism and Flexibility

The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of a team monitoring sanctions against the Taliban and its associates by one year, amid calls for pragmatism and flexibility to ensure the peace and security of Afghanistan.

Resolution 2716 (2023)

In a unanimous vote, the 15-member council adopted Resolution 2716 (2023), directing the Monitoring Team to support the Committee established by resolution 1988 (2011) in designating sanctions on individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities linked to the Taliban. The new mandate expires in December 2024.

Key Responsibilities

The team will continue to:

• Gather information on instances of non-compliance with measures aimed at freezing funds and assets, preventing travel, and restricting the supply or transfer of arms and related equipment established by resolution 2255 (2015).
• Provide recommendations to the Committee for actions to respond to non-compliance.

Statements from Representatives

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Welcoming the renewal of the mandate, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that it confirms the continuing importance of the sanctions regime in supporting peace and security in Afghanistan. She highlighted the team’s reporting as crucial in understanding both the impact of sanctions and events on the ground in Afghanistan.

China’s Ambassador Geng Shuang

Expressing concern that Afghanistan should not become a hub for terrorist organizations, China’s Ambassador Geng Shuang urged the international community to integrate the country into the “family of nations.” He called for timely adjustments to sanctions measures to avoid negative impacts on the Afghan people and welcomed the provision encouraging the Monitoring Team to visit Afghanistan and communicate with all Afghan parties.

Russian Federation’s Ambassador Anna M. Evstigneeva

Praising the team’s reports as a useful support for the Committee, Russian Federation’s Ambassador Anna M. Evstigneeva welcomed the call for the team to travel to Afghanistan and have contact with de facto authorities. She regretted that the resolution did not include the extension of exemptions to the travel ban and emphasized the need for continued discussions on these issues within the 1988 sanctions Committee.

Context

The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has been in power since August 2021. The UN Security Council has maintained its sanctions regime against the group, citing concerns over human rights violations and terrorist activities.