Kabul, 03 August 2021 (TDI): The diplomatic missions of several countries in Afghanistan have condemned the attack on the UN compound by the Taliban and released a joint statement that read:
“The diplomatic missions to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan of Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, the Office of the NATO Senior Civilian Representative, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States condemn Friday’s deplorable attack on the United Nations Compound in Herat that resulted in a tragic death as well as the subsequent violent incidents involving the UN compound on Saturday. Any attack on a civilian humanitarian facility protected by international law should be investigated as a possible war crime. The Taliban must stop denying their involvement in human rights violations and follow the rule of law to investigate and prosecute those responsible in their ranks. As we said previously, the Taliban’s offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement of the conflict and to the Doha peace process. We join the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in demanding that the Taliban allow unfettered humanitarian assistance access to the millions of Afghans in need. We continue to call for an immediate end to the ongoing violence in Afghanistan and for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, and for an inclusive political settlement that safeguards the human rights of Afghans – particularly women, children and minorities – upholds the rule of law, and ensures that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.”
