KABUL - I would like to express my condolences to the families, friends and colleagues left behind after the tragic incident on 5 August.

All staff working for the United Nations in Afghanistan were shocked and appalled at the loss of life of ten medical workers in Badakhshan.

The United Nations condemns this serious crime and apparent cold blooded execution.

These were individuals who came to Afghanistan or were Afghans working in their own country to help the poorest and most vulnerable people.

Health workers must have access to treat those in need and must be able to do so without fear. Under international law health workers must be protected while they carry out their life saving work.

All those involved in this and other incidents targeting health workers should respect the value of human life.

The International Assistance Mission has had an office in Badakhshan for many years and is known for bringing medical services to remote villages across Afghanistan.

- SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL, STAFFAN DE MISTURA