Deadly Suicide Attack A Crime Against Humanity: UN

Deadly Suicide Attack In Afghanistan Is A ‘Crime Against Humanity’: UN Envoy

New York, Sep 18 2006 12:00PM

The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan said a suicide attack today in the southern province of Kandahar that killed four Canadian soldiers and wounded or killed tens of civilians, mainly children, was a “crime against humanity” and an atrocity against all Afghans.

“This brutal attack has resulted in four Canadian soldiers being killed and over 25 civilians, mainly children, being wounded or killed, as well as a number of other Canadian and Government military personnel who were delivering food aid to them,” said Tom Koenigs, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative.

“I am appalled at the blatant disregard for human life in which so many children’s lives are being treated with such disregard. I believe that this attack amounts to a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It should be treated as a crime against humanity.”

This latest suicide attack, which occurred in Kandahar’s Zherai district, comes amid increasing violence in recent months, including a suicide bombing on 10 September that killed Abdul Hakim Tanaiwal, the Governor of south-eastern Paktia province.

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