Security Council Press Statement on Afghanistan

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu ( Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack against the guest house of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on 31 October 2011, which resulted in the death and injury of United Nations staff, as well as of Afghan police officers who came to protect the United Nations personnel.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep condolences to the families of the victims.  The thoughts of the Security Council members are with the wounded and with all UNHCR and other humanitarian workers in Afghanistan.  Humanitarian workers have been operating in Afghanistan for decades.  They are taking immense personal risks to help the most vulnerable.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Afghanistan to bring those responsible to justice and to continue to take all possible steps to protect United Nations personnel and premises.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for the people and the Government of Afghanistan and their support for the crucial work that the United Nations is doing for the benefit of all Afghans.

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For information media • not an official record