KABUL - On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I condemn today’s attack in Kabul.

As UNAMA continues to verify civilian casualties from the incident, initial reports indicate that at least 25 civilians were killed and many others injured.

The explosion occurred in a civilian-populated area of Kabul, where Afghans had gathered peacefully to celebrate Nowruz, the beginning of the new year.

I reiterate that under no circumstances are such attacks justifiable, and I once again call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, at all times.

Today’s egregious attack runs counter to the meaning of Nowruz, a time of renewal and celebration, and a time for promoting the values of peace and solidarity. Those who have organized and enabled this attack must be brought to justice and held to account.

On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I express our deep condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery of the injured.

Tadamichi Yamamoto is the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).