LOGAR - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemns in the strongest terms the attack at a public hospital in the Azra district in Logar province that took place today resulting in a large number of civilian casualties, including many killed. Print English - Dari - Pashto

UNAMA stresses that attacks on hospitals are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. All medical workers, clinics and hospitals must be respected and protected in all circumstances.

“This is a despicable attack against civilians who were seeking medical care, as well as visiting family members and health workers,” said Staffan de Mistura, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan. “Much of the damage was in the maternity ward of the hospital, and many of those killed and injured were women and children.”

UNAMA emphasises that as parties to the conflict, all anti-Government elements have clear responsibilities under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and not to attack them.

“On behalf of the United Nations, I offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and our prayers for the recovery of the many injured people,” said de Mistura.