UNSC Adopts Resolution 2615 on Afghanistan Aid

• 23 Dec 2021

On 22^nd December, 2021, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopte resolution 2615 (2021) permitting a carveout in sanctions against the Taliban to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

Resolution 2615

• The carveout covers urgently needed humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan.
• It includes activities related to shelter and settlement assistance, food security, education, livelihoods support, energy, water, sanitation, health including COVID-related assistance, nutrition, and hygiene, among others.
• These activities aim primarily to benefit the poor or at-risk populations and relieve human suffering.
• The resolution:
  • Mandates a review of the carveout every six months;
  • Strongly encourages providers of assistance to try and ensure that benefits do not accrue to entities designated on the 1988 Sanctions List;
  • Requests that an Emergency Relief Coordinator brief the UNSC every six months on the delivery of assistance and any obstacles to implementation; and
  • Calls on all parties to respect human rights and observe international humanitarian law.

India’s Stance

• Noting that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was dire, India said that humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.
• India reiterated that disbursement of aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. The assistance should reach the most vulnerable first, including women, children and minorities.
• India said it was willing to work with other stakeholders to quickly deliver assistance to the Afghan people.