SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTURBED BY REPORTS OF ANTI-CIVILIAN VIOLENCE, CONTINUED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN AFGHANISTAN

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTURBED BY REPORTS OF ANTI-CIVILIAN VIOLENCE,

CONTINUED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN AFGHANISTAN

The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is disturbed at alarming reports from Afghanistan of indiscriminate bombing, including attacks on the District Hospital and local aid agency facilities, and violence against civilians, during the takeover of Yakawlang by Taliban forces on 11 June.  Widespread burning of homes and other property has been reported.  Reports also state that a large number of civilians have been detained and removed from the area.  These reports are especially alarming in the context of past human rights abuses in the area by Taliban commanders.

The Secretary-General is dismayed at the persistent failure of the warring parties to abide by international humanitarian norms and to hold those responsible for gross violations of human rights accountable for their actions.  He urges the international community and human rights organizations to explore new approaches that would prevent further abuses and put an end to the climate of impunity.

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