KABUL (SW): Deadly attack on six aid workers of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Jawzjan province has been widely condemned.
Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, has said an attack on those who work to help others is an attack on humanity and a grave violation of International Humanitarian Law. “Today's incident not only highlights the dangers facing humanitarian workers in Afghanistan but also underscores the bravery of all those that continue to work selflessly for the benefit of others”, he said in a statement. The EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management has urged all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to ensure that humanitarian organizations have unhindered and safe access to people in need.
A day earlier, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, Mark Bowden, also condemned the killing of six ICRC members by unknown armed men. “This event demonstrates the ongoing and urgent need for all parties to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to protect the lives and rights of civilians and providing aid workers with a safe environment to work in,” he said.
According to the ICRC, the six staff member team, composed of three drivers and five field officers, was on its way to deliver much-needed livestock materials in an area south of the town of Shibergan in Jawzan province. Their convoy was attacked by armed men.
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