Geneva, March 17 – As the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan continues to escalate, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk reiterated his call on Tuesday to end hostilities and take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians, in line with obligations under international human rights law.
Calling for an investigation into the "blast" at Kabul's drug rehabilitation centre, which reportedly claimed the lives of hundreds of patients, the UN High Commissioner urged the need for humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.
"The tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul last night, which reportedly left dozens of patients dead, must be investigated promptly, independently, and transparently, and those responsible must be held accountable in line with international standards. The results of the investigation must be made public. Victims and their families are entitled to compensation," the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday.
The statement comes after Afghan officials claimed that more than 400 people have been killed and 250 others injured following the Pakistani airstrike that targeted the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul's Pul-e-Charkhi area on Monday night.
Several witnesses described the scene of total destruction at the hospital site, with hundreds of people searching for their relatives.
"Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects are strictly protected. The laws of war clearly state that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions. International humanitarian law provides for specific and increased protections for medical facilities," the UN High Commissioner's office stated.
Well before the latest attack by Pakistani forces, hundreds of Afghan civilians, including women and children, have reportedly been killed or injured since the hostilities between both countries increased last month. Tens of thousands of people have also been displaced as a result of the ongoing fighting.
On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane warned that the country will give a "severe response" to the deadly airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in Kabul.
Qane said recovery efforts were being made as emergency teams were searching for bodies under the rubble, Afghanistan-based Ariana News reported.
He said Afghanistan considers Pakistan's latest strike as a major escalation and warned of a befitting response.
"Such attacks cannot go unanswered," Qane reiterated, adding that authorities in Kabul consider the incident as a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, Ariana News reported.