Top UN envoy in Afghanistan condemns air strike on Kunduz medical facility

3 Oct 2015

Top UN envoy in Afghanistan condemns air strike on Kunduz medical facility

KABUL - The top UN envoy in Afghanistan condemned today what he called a “tragic and devastating” air strike on the Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Kunduz early this morning, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of medical personnel, patients and other civilians.

“Hospitals accommodating patients and medical personnel may never be the object of attack,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, noting that international humanitarian law also prohibits the use of medical facilities for military purposes.

Mr. Haysom commended Médecins sans Frontières for its work, and expressed condolences to the medical personnel, their patients, family and friends.

“I reiterate my call on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect medical and humanitarian personnel and facilities,” said the UN envoy.

Mark Bowden, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, said he is “deeply concerned” for the MSF staff and their patients, and the loss suffered by the people of Kunduz.

“The civilian population is now facing a further acute situation, finding themselves cut off from vital medical support,” he said.