Pakistan: Taliban attack on school in Peshawar is a war crime
| Publisher | International Federation for Human Rights |
| Publication Date | 17 December 2014 |
| Cite as | International Federation for Human Rights, Pakistan: Taliban attack on school in Peshawar is a war crime, 17 December 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54b8ce27c.html [accessed 7 June 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 killing of over 130 children in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar, Pakistan yesterday is a war crime, and those responsible must be held accountable, said FIDH today.
"Although the school that was attacked is affiliated to the military, its students are considered civilians and are protected persons under the Geneva Conventions," said Karim Lahidji, President of FIDH. "This attack is therefore not only tragic and horrendous, but also a war crime under international law."
The Taliban has repeatedly expressed its disregard for the rights of civilians, especially women, and continues to violate international human rights and humanitarian law. This latest attack is yet another reprehensible example of the Taliban's attitude towards human rights and international law and must not be ignored.
FIDH calls upon the government of Pakistan to pursue and hold accountable those who continue to orchestrate such attacks, and insist that no political negotiations can be held with the Taliban until the latter respect international law and the most basic rights of civilians.
Last Update 17 December 2014
