S/RES/1974 addresses questions related to the stabilization of Afghanistan and the long-term work of the UN mission that exists in the ground (UNAMA). In this regard, they grant an extension of the mandate of the mission and reaffirms several agreements that have been established in the past. It also puts forward the importance of the UN efforts through the civilian side of the operation and the importance of the access for humanitarian assistance in the country.
Preamble
The document initiates by recalling its previous resolutions on Afghanistan and the report of the Secretary-General and it’s strong commitment to the sovereignty and national unity of the country. It points out that there is no purely military solution to ensure the stability of the country and in this regard they reaffirm their continued support for the Government and people to rebuild their country. It further welcomes the development of a framework and benchmarks for the new National Priority Programs towards transitioning to an Afghan security lead, it also reaffirms the importance of the agenda and priorities made at the London Conference and they look forward to the international Afghanistan Conference that is to held in December 2011. It further reaffirms the support for the implementation of the commitments set in different conference communiqués related to development strategies.
It also stresses the central and impartial role that the UN continues to play in promoting peace and stability, as well as recalling the importance of the establishment of the High Peace Council. In this regard, the document also recognizes the relevance of the 2010 legislative elections and the long-term reform being conducted in the country and it also welcomes the contribution of the International Contact Group to the UN that works toward coordinating and broadening the international support for the country. The document stresses the importance of advancing regional cooperation as an effective mean to promote security, stability and economic and social development of Afghanistan and it also welcomes the efforts of countries that are increasing their civilian and humanitarian efforts to assist the government, it also welcomes agreements reached by NATO and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
The preamble also recognizes the interconnected nature of security, governance, human rights, rule of law and the development and welcomes the Afghan Government efforts in issues of transparency in this regard they put the importance of a comprehensive approach in addressing the challenges in the country. It also reiterates the need for all UN agencies to have a one-UN approach to the situation in order to provide a comprehensive effort. The resolution stresses the need to improve the reach, quality and quantity of humanitarian aid in the country while reiterating their concern about the security situation. In this regard, they recall the serious concern with the increased high number of civilian causalities and call all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
The preamble further recognizes the continuously threats posed by violent extremist groups and illegal armed groups and the concern with serious threat of anti-personnel mines and its danger to civilian population. It also supports the continued ban of Ammonium Nitrate fertilizer and the importance to implement regulations and also that there is no legal use for acetic anhydride in the country. The resolution also recalls resolutions related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict as well as women and children in these scenarios.
Operative Clauses
The document initiates by welcoming the report of the Secretary-General and expressing appreciation for the UN’s long-term commitment to work with the government and its people and also reiterates its full support to the work of the UNAMA. For that they extend the mandate of the mission until March 23rd, 2012 and in this sense they also calls the UN to work to support the programs covering the issues of security, governance, justice and economic and social development. The resolution also decides that the UNAMA and the UN staff on the ground will continue to lead the international civilian efforts specially where it deals to promote coherent support by the international community; to cooperate with the ISAF and NATO at all levels and throughout the country; provide outreach as well as good offices to support the Afghan-led process of peace and reconciliation; and to support future Afghan elections.
The document also reaffirms that the mission and the Special Representative will continue to lead the international civilian efforts in a few priority areas, such as regional cooperation to work towards a stable and prosperous country; support the implementation of the Kabul Process; support the efforts to improve governance and rules of law; cooperate with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission; coordinate and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The resolution still calls upon the parties to coordinate with the mission in implementing the mandate and in efforts to promote security and freedom of movement of the UN and the need to ensure security of the UN staff. It stresses further the importance of a strong presence of the UNAMA and the continued efforts of the Secretary-General. It also underscores the importance of a sustainable democratic development in the country and for it to work closely with the UN to build on the lessons learned from the 2009 and 2010 elections.
The resolution also welcomes the efforts of the High Peace Council and the implementation of the Afghan peace and reintegration program and to continue to increase the participation of women, minorities and civil society in the process. It also stresses the role of the mission in supporting the process of peace and reconciliation and for that they welcome the efforts by the government and its neighboring and regional partners and reaffirms the central role played by coordinating, facilitating and monitoring the implementation of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy and National Priority Programs. The resolution calls on the international donors and organization to adhere to the commitments made at previous conference and also calls upon the government to continue to address the threat to the security and stability posed by violent extremist groups.
The document condemns all attacks targeting civilians and Afghan and international forces as well as attacks against humanitarian workers. It also welcomes the achievement on the implementation of the Mine Action Program of Afghanistan and recognizes the progress made by the forces to minimize the risk of civilian causalities and calls on them to continue to take robust efforts in this regard. The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring access for the relevant organizations and full respect for international law and human rights. It also expresses strong concern on the recruitment and the use of children and welcomes the signing of a comprehensive action plan related to children. It reiterates the importance of increasing the functionality of the Afghan security sector and welcomes the continued progress of the development of the Afghan National Army and its increased capabilities.
The document takes note of the ongoing efforts of the Afghan authorities to enhance the capabilities of the national police and welcomes the progress in promoting the disbandment of illegal armed groups. It also takes note of the recent progress in addressing the issue of opium production and cultivation in the country and also calls upon States to strengthen cooperation to counter the threat to the international community, for that they calls for the continuation of the Paris Pact initiative related to opium and heroin. This is combined with the call to accelerate the establishment of a fair and transparent justice system and the stressing of progress in the reconstruction and reform of the prison sector in the country. It notes with strong concern the effects of widespread corruption on security, good governance, counter-narcotics efforts and economic development and to fight against corruption.
The document encourages all Afghan institutions to work in a spirit of cooperation and calls for the full respect of freedom of media and notes with concern attacks against journalists and supports broad engagement across government agencies and civil society. It also recognizes the enhanced efforts that needed to secure the rights of women and girls and at the same time welcomes the government’s commitment to strengthen the participation of women in all governmental institutions. It welcomes the cooperation of the Afghan Government and the UNAMA with the Council Committee related to sanctions in the country. The document calls for strengthening the process of regional economic cooperation and recognizes the importance of voluntary, safe, orderly return and sustainable reintegration of Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons. There is also a requests that the Secretary-General report to the Council every three months on the development in the country and requests that he conduct a comprehensive review of the mandated activities. The resolution closes it by deciding to remain seized of the matter.
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