Kabul renews commitment to battling terror

KABUL has reiterated its firm commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, pledging support to victims and their families.

Afghanistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations renewed the pledge while speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition in the US on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, I welcome you all to this Photographic Exhibition on the occasion of the Second International Day of Remembrance of the victims, Adela Raz said.

Two years ago, she recalled, the General Assembly had adopted Resolution 72/165, proposed by Afghanistan, which proclaimed this day, the 21^st of August, as an International Day dedicated to the victims of terrorism around the world.

In a statement, she said the General Assembly took another step this year by adopting Resolution 73/305, proposed by Afghanistan, on the “Enhancement of International Cooperation to Assist Victims of Terrorism.”

The resolution urges member states to develop comprehensive plans to provide both immediate and short-term assistance to victims, and to ensure the voices of those affected are given attention.

“The pain of the survivors, victims and those who lose their loved ones to terrorism is felt and experienced extensively by the people of Afghanistan,” the ambassador said.

The non-stop killing of innocents by terrorists had left the Afghans with a deep wound, she remarked, referring to this week’s attack on a wedding hall in Kabul.

The suicide bomber killed more than 60 civilians and wounded 200 others; A day later, the eastern city of Jalalabad was rattled by a series of explosions that injured more than 120 people.

Victims of terrorism needed and deserved sustained support and attention from the United Nations and its member states, the diplomat believed.

Terrorist attacks had devastating effects on the lives of the victims and their families, leaving a trail of death and destruction, she said.

Besides witnessing stories of pain and despair, the envoy added, the Afghans had also seen stories of personal resilience, strength and endurance in the face of trauma and shock.

“Today we inaugurate a photo exhibition that shows us precisely some of these stories, highlighting the voice of resilient men and women in Afghanistan & all over the world.

“To listen to the voices of the victims and witness their stories is not only a form of tribute, but also the best means of understanding the harsh realities that they and we all face...”

pr/mud