Security Council condemns heinous' attacks on Afghan civilians
Publisher | UN News Service |
Publication Date | 7 December 2011 |
Cite as | UN News Service, Security Council condemns heinous' attacks on Afghan civilians, 7 December 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ee1d32b2.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The near simultaneous attacks occurred around midday on Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Hussein. A suicide bomber struck a shrine packed with worshippers in the capital, Kabul, reportedly killing at least 54 people, while another blast struck near a mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, killing four.
"The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of these heinous acts and to tThe members of the Security Council called on the Government of Afghanistan to bring those responsible to justice.heir families, and to the people and Government of Afghanistan," Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which holds the Council's presidency for this month, said in a statement to the press.
"The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Afghanistan to bring those responsible to justice," he added.
The 15-member body also reaffirmed that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The attacks were also condemned by the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who earlier this week stated that it is necessary to ensure that protection of civilians in the country remains a priority.
All killings, whether targeted or indiscriminate, are "unacceptable and must stop," he said at the International Conference on Afghanistan, which was held in the German city of Bonn on Monday.