The UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling on the Taliban to allow Afghans to leave their homeland unhindered. The resolution received 13 votes in favor, with Russia and China abstaining. Security Council resolutions are legally binding under international law.
The resolution could increase pressure on the Taliban to keep to the commitments made by the radical Islamist movement. The Taliban said Afghans are free to leave the country at any time and by any means necessary. The Security Council “expects the Taliban to comply with these and all other obligations”.
The resolution, presented by Britain and France, along with Ireland and the US, also states that Afghanistan must not become a haven for terrorists. In addition, the country must allow unimpeded humanitarian aid and respect for human rights, in particular the rights of women, children and minorities.
French President Macron, together with the British and Germans, had also proposed creating a safe zone at Kabul airport for humanitarian aid after the departure of the last American soldiers. That proposal failed.
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