SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES 'DEEP DISTRESS' AT REPORTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN, URGES PROTECTION FOR RELIEF WORKERS
Press Release
SG/SM/7103
AFG/103
SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES 'DEEP DISTRESS' AT REPORTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN, URGES PROTECTION FOR RELIEF WORKERS
19990817'Forceful Displacement' of Civilians in Taliban Offensive Condemned; Parties in Conflict Are Asked to Respect Convention on Rights of Child
This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by reports of widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Afghanistan. He strongly condemns the ongoing forceful displacement of civilians, resulting from the most recent offensive by the Taliban, and remains alarmed by reports of violations affecting inhabitants of the Shomali plain, as well as, displaced persons in Kabul. He also expresses deep concern over reports of the involvement in the conflict of students, some as young as fourteen, and calls on the warring parties to respect the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Secretary-General urges the parties to immediately end the conflict and take measures to ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflict. He also calls on warring parties to ensure the safe and free movement of relief workers, who remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflict. He notes, however, the primary responsibility for the welfare of the Afghan civilians rests with those who have displaced them from their homes.
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