UNAMA is a political mission that provides political good offices in Afghanistan; works with and supports the government; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.
UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Its mandate is reviewed annually with the latest mandate renewal being on 15 March 2016 when the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2274 (2016).
Resolution 2274 calls for UNAMA and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan (SRSG) to continue leading and coordinating international civilian efforts in assisting Afghanistan, guided by the principle of reinforcing Afghan sovereignty, leadership and ownership. In doing so, the resolution calls upon UNAMA and the SRSG to promote more coherent support by the international community to the Government of Afghanistan’s development and governance priorities.
UNAMA maintains a permanent field presence in 12 provinces across Afghanistan and liaison offices in Islamabad (Pakistan) and Tehran (Iran). In 2016 staff numbers are expected to stand at: 376 international, 1,163 national and 79 UN Volunteers.
