Afghanistan: UN mission condemns attack on American University in Kabul
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 25 August 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Afghanistan: UN mission condemns attack on American University in Kabul, 25 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57bfdce440e.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. |
25 August 2016 - The United Nations' mission in Afghanistan has condemned last night's attack on a university in the capital, Kabul, that killed 12 civilians and injured more than 50 others, mostly students.
"An attack deliberately targeting an educational facility, during evening classes for university students, is an atrocity and those responsible must be held accountable," Pernille Kardel, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Acting Head of the UN Assistance Mission there, known as UNAMA, said in a press statement.
The attack began with the detonation of a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device at a gate of the American University of Afghanistan, after which two gunmen entered the compound during the busy evening class period, according to the statement, which also noted that 11 of the killed were students, nine male and two female.
"The country's youth are a source of pride and bring real hope for a better future," Ms. Kardel said, adding that she is hopeful that "violence will not discourage their desire for continued learning and attaining the knowledge and skills critical to Afghanistan's prosperity."
On behalf of the Mission, she expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed in this incident and wished a speedy recovery for all those injured.
