Press Releases
Adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2721 on the situation in Afghanistan
(Statement by Foreign Press Secretary KOBAYASHI Maki)
December 30, 2023
- Japan welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2721 on the situation in Afghanistan on December 29 local time.
- The adopted resolution encourages Member States and others to consider implementing the recommendations of the independent assessment to address the current challenges faced by Afghanistan, submitted by the UN Secretary-General to the UNSC. The resolution also requests the Secretary General to appoint a Special Envoy for Afghanistan with a role of promoting implementation of the recommendations of the assessment. Japan, as a co-penholder of Afghanistan issue in the UNSC, had been actively working for the adoption of this resolution, together with the UAE. As the Taliban is further increasing restrictions on the rights of women and girls and deepening its isolation from the international community, Japan hopes that this resolution will contribute to the improvement of the situation surrounding Afghanistan as well as to the peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
- In light of the recommendations of the independent assessment, Japan will contribute more actively toward the formation of a coordinated approach by the international community to the challenges Afghanistan faces. In addition, with a view to preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Japan continues to provide humanitarian assistance and basic needs assistance to the Afghan people in cooperation with the international community. Furthermore, Japan will make persistent effort in directly engaging with the Taliban to change their course, in order to ensure respect for human rights of all Afghans, including the elimination of measures that restrict the rights of women and girls, and political inclusiveness.