Secretary-General Condemns Lethal Attacks in Afghanistan ahead of Elections

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns the series of lethal attacks — including today’s suicide bombing at a campaign rally in Nangarhar Province, on candidates, their affiliates and their supporters — in Afghanistan in the run-up to the October parliamentary elections.  He extends his deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

The deliberate targeting of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law.  The Secretary-General urges all parties to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process by creating a safe environment for political candidates to campaign and for citizens to exercise their right to assemble and vote.