Secretary-General, Saddened by Killing of Staff Member in Afghanistan, Urges Local Authorities to Carry Out Prompt, Rigorous Investigation

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply troubled and saddened by the killing of Toorpaki Ulfat, a staff member of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on 12 October in Kandahar.  He urges the local authorities to undertake a rigorous and prompt investigation into the circumstances and motives behind this killing and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Ulfat, a much valued colleague, staunch human rights defender and friend to many in the United Nations and across Afghanistan.

United Nations staff in Afghanistan work under hazardous and trying conditions to support the Afghan people in building a secure and more prosperous future.  The Secretary-General reiterates the Organization’s commitment to continue this support.