Overview
- Citing a need to reassess engagement and spending, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2818 (2026) to extend UNAMA only until 17 June in a technical renewal.
- The United States pressed for the brief extension, pointing to Taliban obstruction of UN work, detentions of foreign nationals, and severe restrictions on women’s rights.
- China, the Council’s penholder on Afghanistan, had favored a one-year renewal that most members preferred, while the United Kingdom highlighted new language urging reversal of recent curbs on women, including the ban on Afghan women entering UN premises.
- The resolution urges a continued UN field presence, requests the Secretary-General to appoint a new Special Representative to lead UNAMA, and asks for regular three‑monthly reporting on the situation and mandate implementation.
- UN officials warn needs are urgent with a $1.71 billion appeal about 10% funded and over 17 million people facing acute food shortages, as Pakistan backs the extension but flags escalating cross‑border threats from groups including TTP, ISIL‑K, Al Qaeda and ETIM.