UNICEF chief strongly condemns Kabul bombing

ANI
09 May 2021, 07:48 GMT+10

Kabul [Afghanistan], May 9 (ANI): Leading UN officials on Saturday condemned the deadly bombing outside a high school in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, which led to the deaths of at least 30 people, including several school children.

Most of the casualties are reported to be girls, who were leaving the building at the end of the school day, UN News reported, adding that the city was full of shoppers, ahead of the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations.

"UNICEF strongly condemns the horrific attack earlier today near the Sayed Ul-Shuhada high school, in Kabul, Afghanistan," said Henrietta Fore, the Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF.

"The attack claimed the lives of dozens of schoolchildren, mostly girls, and severely injured many more. Violence in or around schools is never acceptable. Schools must be havens of peace where children can play, learn and socialize safely."The UNICEF chief added that children must never be the target of violence, and that the UN agency continues to call on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to adhere to international human rights and humanitarian law.

Volkan Bozkir, the President of the General Assembly described the blast as "an abhorrent and cowardly attack". Bozkir expressed his sadness at the "lives lost and the dozens of injuries, especially those of young students", and condemned the targeting of innocent civilians.

For the UN Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, the bombing was "an atrocity". The Mission tweeted its "deep revulsion" and sent a message of condolence to the victim's families, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

The Sayed Ul-Shuhada high school is located in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood in west Kabul, home to many members of the Hazari minority, who are mainly Shia Muslims. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. (ANI)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Afghanistan Sun.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Historic ISS mission launches with crew from 4 different nations

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: In a landmark flight for three nations and a veteran U.S. spacefarer, a four-member astronaut crew launched...

U.S. government sues Maryland court over pause in migrant deportations

WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a striking escalation of tensions between the executive and judicial branches, the Trump administration has filed...

Thailand-Cambodia tensions rise as border rules tighten

BANGKOK, Thailand: This week, Thailand implemented land border restrictions, including a ban on tourists traveling to Cambodia, as...

Alliance eyes major military buildup to counter Russia

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: NATO is pressing ahead with a sweeping new defense spending target, calling on all 32 member nations to commit...

Mamdani leads NYC mayoral race in stunning upset over Cuomo

NEW YORK, U.S.: A political newcomer is on the verge of reshaping New York City politics. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman...

Millions endure dangerous US temperatures, heat alert issued

MADISON, Wisconsin: Tens of millions of residents across the Midwest and East Coast faced dangerously high temperatures over the weekend...

Central Asia

Section

Afghanistan has become 'safe haven' for terror groups again: US Congressman Huizenga

Washington DC [USA], June 28 (ANI): U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga warned on Friday that Afghanistan has again become a 'safe haven...

4415 Indians evacuated from conflict zones in Iran, Israel via 19 special flights: MEA

New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): The Indian government has initiated Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from conflict zones...

UN: Afghans face highest global resettlement needs for 2026 as deportations surge ahead of regional deadlines

Kabul [Afghanistan], June 27 (ANI): The United Nations has reported that 2.5 million refugees globally will require resettlement in...

Rajnath Singh briefs counterparts from Tajikistan, Belarus & Kazakhstan on Pahalgam terror attack, Op Sindoor

Qingdao [China], June 27 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Tajikistan, Belarus...

Interview: China-Central Asia mechanism key platform for sustainable development, peaceful coexistence -- Uzbek economist

China's involvement in building infrastructure and green energy facilities has contributed to the modernization of Uzbekistan's key...

Forget Middle East: This region could be next to see a major crisis

Russia must watch the fallout of Israels wars especially in its backyard The war in the Middle East poses a growing threat to Central...