The Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for six months, until March 17, 2022.

Resolution 2596, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, stressed the critical importance of a continued presence of UNAMA and other UN agencies, funds and programs across Afghanistan.

It also called on all Afghan and international parties to coordinate with UNAMA in the implementation of its mandate and to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel throughout the country.

The resolution requested the UN secretary-general submit a written report to the Security Council by Jan. 31, 2022 on strategic and operational recommendations for the UNAMA mandate in light of recent political, security and social developments.

It further asked the secretary-general to brief the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan and the work of UNAMA every other month before the current resolution expires.