Security Council Press Statement on Attacks in Afghanistan

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gérard Araud (France):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms attacks in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan Province on 26 November and Faryab Province on 27 November, which resulted in the death of nine development workers and brought the number of attacks against humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets in Afghanistan to 237 so far this year.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of these heinous acts, and to the Government and people of Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council condemned acts of violence against development workers and humanitarian personnel.

The members of the Security Council underlined that personnel targeted in these attacks are undertaking essential work in support of the Afghan people, and that the continuation of attacks against development workers and humanitarian personnel significantly impedes the delivery of this important assistance to Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan, particularly in light of a number of recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and elsewhere in the country.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that no terrorist act can reverse the path towards Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the Government of Afghanistan and the international community.

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For information media • not an official record