NEW YORK - The Secretary-General is deeply troubled and saddened by the killing of Ms. Toorpaki Ulfat, a staff member of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on 12 October in Kandahar.

He urges the local authorities to undertake a rigorous and prompt investigation into the circumstances and motives behind this killing and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ulfat, a much valued colleague, staunch human rights defender and friend to many in the United Nations and across Afghanistan.

United Nations staff in Afghanistan work under hazardous and trying conditions to support the Afghan people in building a secure and more prosperous future. The Secretary-General reiterates the Organisation’s commitment to continue this support.