APF condemns fatal attack on AIHRC staff

Two staff members from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) have been killed and six others injured after the minibus they were in was struck by a roadside landmine.

The attack occurred early on Monday morning, 26 October 2015, as the eight staff members of the AIHRC's regional office in Nangerhar Province, in the country's east, were travelling to the office in Jalalabad.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We condemn this brutal attack in the strongest possible terms," said Byambadorj Jamsran, APF Chairperson and Chief Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia.

"It is a deplorable and cowardly act of violence against a group of committed human rights defenders who have worked steadfastly to improve the lives of their fellow Afghan citizens," he said.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have been killed, as well as to their colleagues within the AIHRC, and we hope that those who have been injured can make a full recovery."

Mr Jamsran commended the Commissioners and staff of the AIHRC for their outstanding work to promote and protect human rights in Afghanistan, despite the daily threats and challenges they face.

"The AIHRC has shown extraordinary leadership in standing up for fundamental rights and holding perpetrators of human rights abuses to account," he said.

"The Commissioners and staff have been unafraid to tackle the most sensitive of issues, which has earned the trust and respect of the Afghan people."

The AIHRC is an inspiring example of what a strong, independent and courageous national human rights institution can achieve, Mr Jamsran said.

"The APF stands in solidarity with our colleagues at the AIHRC at this sombre time and ready to provide our full support."

Date: 27 October 2015