13 March 2012
UNICEF is deeply saddened and concerned by the recent killing of innocent civilians in Kandahar. According to reports, these deaths included children who were killed in their homes in the middle of the night.
“This tragic event reminds us that families and children continue to suffer unfathomable losses due to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan,” said UNICEF Afghanistan Representative, Peter Crowley. “It is now more urgent than ever that all parties to the conflict do everything in their power to protect the lives and the rights of children. This needs to be a top priority.”
Last year alone 1,282 children were killed or seriously injured due to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to ensure that children, women and other civilians are protected at all times and in accordance with international humanitarian law.
