What’s in the news?

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously passed a resolution permitting a carveout in sanctions against the Taliban to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. 
• The resolution, put forward by the U.S., passed after Security Council members, including veto-wielding China and Russia, had objections to a draft version that was circulated earlier this week.
• This carveout covers urgently needed humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan, such as those that primarily benefit poor or at-risk populations or otherwise relieve human suffering, including 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.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/unsc-adopts-resolution-to-ease-afghan-aid/article38015633.ece