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Uttalande kring attentatet mot FN den 28 oktober

Acbar, 2009-10-29

Statement on the attack against the United Nations by Armed Opposition Forces

This year alone there have been over 115 incidents, including 42 during the three month period between July - September. The year of 2009 has seen 18 NGO staff be killed and 6 injured. With the latest killing of at least 5 UN international staff and 9 injured, the numbers have increased to 23 killed and 15 injured, which exceeds the total number of aid worker victims of attacks in 2008. Attacks and threats by AOG still account for 70% of all NGO incidents and produce most NGO casualties.

This situation has forced many aid agencies to restrict the scale and scope of their development and humanitarian operations. Detoriating security conditions continue to jeopardize the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance and threaten the livelihoods of the most vulnerable.

We therefore call upon all parties of the conflict to ensure that their conduct does not put at risk the security and safety of Afghan civilians and aid workers; and that they respect the fundamental humanitarian standards and principles established under the international laws of armed conflict.

In particular, we call upon all parties of the conflict:
• To distinguish between civilians and combatants in all attacks, and ensure that all attacks are directed at military objectives, using proportionate force.

• To take all possible steps to avoid or minimise civilian casualties and damage to civilian property or infrastructure.

• Never to use civilians as a shield against attack.

• Never to attack humanitarian, development and medical personnel or supplies.

• Never to take hostages for any reason whatsoever.

• To conduct raids or searches of premises with proportionate force and with consideration for Afghan culture and the safety of civilians.

• To ensure timely and adequate compensation and assistance is provided to civilians who have suffered as a result of conflict.

• To conduct transparent investigations of incidents involving civilian casualties and ensure full accountability.

• To ensure that no detainee or prisoner is subjected to torture, or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

In addition, we strongly emphasise the belief that the conflict can not be brought to an end through using predominantly military means. A range of measures are deemed essential to achieve sustainable peace, including support for rural development, delivery of services, governance reforms, enhanced aid effectiveness and peace-building and reconciliation initiatives at local, national and regional levels.

For media inquiries please contact:

Laurent SAILLARD
Director ACBAR
+ 93 (0) 706602570 / +93 (0) 799755001; laurent.saillard@acbar.org

Mohammad Hashim Mayar
Deputy Director
+ 93 (0) 700 284 323; pc@acbar.org