UNSC seeks end to targeted attacks in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate end to targeted attacks across Afghanistan and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Members of the powerful council unanimously condemned in the strongest terms the alarming number of attacks deliberately targeting Afghan civilians.

In statement, they said: “These heinous attacks have targeted civil servants, the judiciary, the media, healthcare and humanitarian workers, including women in prominent positions, those who protect and promote human rights, and ethnic and religious minorities.”

All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to the protection of civilians, they stressed, saying deliberate attacks on civilians could constitute war crimes.

They voiced their deep concern at spike in the targeted attacks in the months following the launch of the intra-Afghan peace negotiations in September 2020.

Sustainable peace could be achieved only through a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process aimed at a permanent ceasefire and an inclusive political settlement, the UNSC believed.

The Security Council members also stressed the need for women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in the peace process.

The UNSC members encouraged parties to the negotiations to pursue confidence-building measures, including reductions in violence and to continue to engage in good faith.

They also expressed their deep concerns about the threat posed by terrorism to Afghanistan and the region.

pr/mud