UNAMA condemns Kabul bombing

7 Jun 2014

UNAMA condemns Kabul bombing

KABUL - The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Ján Kubiš, condemned yesterday’s attack in Kabul that killed 13 civilians and security personnel and wounded a further 46 people.

Mr. Kubiš underlined continued support for Afghanistan’s electoral process and belief that the Afghan people were determined to defend democracy and would not be deterred by such acts of terror.

“I strongly condemn this appalling attack against the democratic process,” said Mr. Kubiš, who is also the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). “The high number of civilians killed and injured further shows a complete disregard for the lives of ordinary Afghans. Such an attack on a busy road used by many civilians violates the most basic principles of humanity.”

UNAMA reiterates that attacks directed against civilians are serious violations of international humanitarian law which parties to the armed conflict - including all Anti-Government Elements – must uphold. Attacks on civilians particularly through the use of indiscriminate improvised explosive devices may amount to a war crime.

The incident took place in the run-up to the 14 June second round run-off to elect the country’s next President. Two suicide bombers attacked the convoy of presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah Abdullah while he was travelling to a political rally in western Kabul. Dr. Abdullah was uninjured.

UNAMA extends its condolences to the families of all of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured.