SECRETARY-GENERAL VERY CONCERNED ABOUT REPORTS OF CIVILIANS
DELIBERATELY TARGETED AND KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for
Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary‑General is very concerned about reports that civilians were deliberately targeted and killed during recent fighting in the Yakawlang area of Hazarajat in central Afghanistan.� It appears that more than 100 people may have been killed, including Afghan humanitarian workers.� In addition, a United Nations local staff member is missing.� These reported killings have led to massive displacement and to the increased suffering of a population that has already been badly affected by the drought and is now at great risk from sub-zero temperatures and hunger.�
On 20 December 2000, Hezb-e-Wahdat forces, which are affiliated with the United Front, overran Yakawlang, only to be driven back by the Taliban in early January.� Since then there have been numerous credible reports of widespread summary executions of Hazara civilians by the Taliban, who apparently accused the local population of supporting the Hezb-e-Wahdat.� This is only the latest tragedy to befall the Hazaras, a largely Shi’ite ethnic group, that has traditionally been the most disadvantaged in Afghanistan.
The Secretary-General deplores any killing of civilians, and demands that the Taliban take immediate steps to control their forces.� These reports require prompt investigation and that those responsible be brought to justice.�
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