Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack at Kabul University, Afghanistan

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Inga Rhonda King (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the atrocious and cowardly terrorist attack that took place at Kabul University, Afghanistan, on 2 November.  The attack, which was claimed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) resulted in at least 22 people killed, including university students, and dozens of students wounded.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Afghanistan and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern over the continuing violence in Afghanistan, which continues to take the lives of innocent civilians.  The members of the Security Council stressed that any attack deliberately targeting education facilities as such is unacceptable.  They also stressed that these attacks target and endanger the hope for and prospects of a brighter future for the country.

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.

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

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.