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UN Security Council to review Afghanistan situation as UNAMA mandate nears expiry
According to the Security Council, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 21.9 million people requiring assistance this year.
The United Nations Security Council will hold its quarterly meeting on Afghanistan on Monday, with members set to assess recent developments in the country and discuss the future of international engagement.
During the session, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is expected to present the UN Secretary-General’s latest report, outlining political, humanitarian and social developments over the past three months.
The discussions are expected to focus on key issues including the humanitarian situation, political developments, and the rights of women and girls, particularly access to education.
According to the Security Council, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 21.9 million people requiring assistance this year.
While council members broadly support an Afghanistan free of terrorism, governed inclusively and committed to international obligations, differences remain over how best to achieve those goals.
Analysts say the meeting could offer important indications of the Security Council’s assessment of Afghanistan and the international community’s future approach toward the country. The talks are also expected to address UNAMA’s role in facilitating engagement between Afghanistan and the wider international community.
Officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly urged the United Nations and other international actors to present what they describe as a balanced and impartial picture of Afghanistan, while acknowledging developments on the ground.
The meeting comes ahead of the expiration of UNAMA’s current mandate on June 16. The Security Council is expected to decide on the mission’s extension the same day.
UNAMA remains the United Nations’ primary presence in Afghanistan, coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring human rights issues and supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community.
The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights has reported that Iran’s judiciary has executed Gol Mohammad Mohammadi, a 23-year-old Afghan citizen, for his alleged involvement in anti-government protests that took place in January.
According to the group, Mohammadi was executed on Sunday alongside another prisoner, Erfan Esfandiari.
Iran’s judiciary-affiliated Mizan News Agency said the two men had been convicted of participating in deadly attacks against security forces during the protests in Isfahan last year.
Hengaw has criticized the judicial process, alleging that the defendants were denied access to independent legal counsel during their trial.
International Sports
Spain sweep FIFA World Cup player awards after historic triumph
France captain Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals. The award marked the second time Mbappé has claimed the World Cup’s top scorer prize, further cementing his status as one of the game’s leading forwards.
Newly crowned FIFA World Cup champions Spain capped off a remarkable tournament by collecting four of the competition’s five major individual awards following their 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final.
Spain midfielder Rodri was named the winner of the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after leading his side to a second World Cup title. The experienced midfielder produced a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament, controlling matches with his vision, passing and leadership.
France captain Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals. The award marked the second time Mbappé has claimed the World Cup’s top scorer prize, further cementing his status as one of the game’s leading forwards.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after an outstanding tournament in which Spain conceded just one goal. His consistent performances and crucial saves played a key role in his country’s title-winning campaign.
Nineteen-year-old Spain defender Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player after emerging as one of the stars of the tournament. The young centre-back impressed with his composure and maturity, helping Spain record one of the best defensive records in the competition.
Spain’s dominance in the individual honours reflected the team’s outstanding performances throughout the month-long tournament, with four of the five major awards going to members of the world champions.
2026 FIFA World Cup major award winners
- Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
- Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
- Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain)
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), has met with Dirk Joseph Thyssen, Deputy CEO of the Afghanistan Credit Guarantee Foundation (ACGF), and his accompanying delegation.
In a statement, Da Afghanistan Bank said the meeting focused on expanding support for small credit guarantees, grant assistance, and technical cooperation with financial institutions in Afghanistan.
According to the bank, Khalid reaffirmed DAB’s commitment to strengthening the country’s financial and banking sector, saying the central bank is working to create a transparent, standardized and enabling environment to improve access to micro, small and medium-sized financing.
He also urged the Afghanistan Credit Guarantee Foundation to provide its financial services fairly and without discrimination across all regions of the country and to all relevant institutions.
For his part, Dirk Joseph Thyssen presented an overview of ACGF’s activities, achievements and future plans, and called for expanded technical cooperation with banks and financial institutions, implementation of joint programs, and the signing of cooperation agreements between the two sides.
The Afghanistan Credit Guarantee Foundation is an international development organization that supports micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through credit guarantee schemes for banks and financial institutions, technical assistance and capacity-building programs.
At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to expand financial inclusion, support the private sector and further strengthen Afghanistan’s financial and banking sector.
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