NEW YORK — The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan's Taliban rulers to reverse restrictions on women and to address militant groups operating inside the country. The resolution extends the U.N. political mission in Afghanistan until June 17, 2027.

China sponsored the resolution. Chinese Ambassador to the U.N. Fu Cong said, "The hope is that the Afghan government will take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women, and project an image of openness, inclusivity and responsibility."

The resolution authorizes the U.N. mission to support humanitarian aid deliveries without discrimination and to promote governance with equal participation for women, minorities, youth, and persons with disabilities. The resolution facilitates commercial and financial activity and supports efforts to return frozen Central Bank assets to Afghanistan.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Jennifer Locetta said, "For that political process to succeed, the Taliban must act. The Taliban must meet their counterterrorism commitments, respect Afghanistan's international obligations, end hostage diplomacy, and cease their unconscionable abuses of the human rights of women and girls."

The Taliban have governed Afghanistan since the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces in 2021. Their governance includes a strict interpretation of Islamic law, which bans education beyond primary school and restricts employment for women. In Herat, at least 30 women were arrested for allegedly violating the Taliban's dress code. Taliban police dispersed a protest over the arrests, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants who conduct cross-border attacks, a claim the Taliban denies. Pakistani Ambassador to the U.N. Asim Ahmad said, "The resolution expresses the council's serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security." Hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan since February after reciprocal military strikes.