Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, has expressed his regret over the Pakistani airstrikes in the Bermal district of Paktika province.
On Friday, December 27, Bennett posted a message on X/Twitter, expressing his sorrow over the deaths of Afghan civilians, including women and children, in the airstrikes.
He emphasized the need to adhere to international law and called for an investigation and accountability to prevent further harm to civilians.
Previously, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had reported credible information regarding the deaths of dozens of civilians, including women and children, in the Pakistani airstrikes on Paktika.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also stated on Thursday that it had received reports of at least 20 children being killed in the airstrikes on the Bermal district of Paktika.
The tragic loss of life in these airstrikes highlights the growing vulnerability of civilians in conflict zones, particularly in border areas like Paktika. The deaths of women and children are especially concerning, as they reflect a disturbing disregard for international humanitarian law, which calls for the protection of non-combatants during armed conflicts.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the international community must urgently address the issue of cross-border military actions and work towards ensuring the protection of innocent lives.
The call for an independent investigation into these airstrikes and holding accountable those responsible for violating international law is crucial in preventing further civilian casualties and ensuring justice for the victims.
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