UN, HRW call for probe into Kandahar mass grave

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations has called for a thoroughgoing probe into the discovery of a mass grave in southern Kandahar province.

UN Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett said it was important the remains were not damaged further, pending a forensic examination.

On Monday, a provincial official said the mass grave had been found in Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district, located near the Pakistan border.

Information and Culture Director Noor Ahmed Saeed said in interview the mass grave containing a dozen bodies was discovered three days ago.

Speaking to the Voice of America (VOA), he said: “Nine years ago, these people were taken from their homes and shops by late (police chief) Gen. Abdul Raziq. They were … then killed without trial.”

Meanwhile, a veteran human rights campaigner stressed the need for securing the mass grave, which should be investigated by forensic experts.

Patricia Gossman, Asia special deputy head of the Human Rights Watch Commission, tweeted: “Discovery of grave sites makes it all the more urgent that authorities prevent acts of revenge

“As UN HRC discusses ways to support accountability in Afghanistan, vital that all alleged crimes be investigated as part of process that leads to justice, according to int’l standards,” she wrote.

mud

Views: 137