UN human rights chief condemns attack on Afghanistan's relief staff

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Monday condemned a deadly attack on a bus carrying staff of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), saying that that attack is "disgraceful."

According to the UN human rights agency, earlier Monday morning the bus was struck by an explosive device in the eastern city of Jalalabad in Afghanistan, killing two AIHRC members and injuring six others.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

"I strongly condemn this disgraceful attack," Zeid said, adding that Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission is one of the country's most important institutions. Since it was founded in 2002, which has made valiant efforts to monitor and report on the human rights situation in the country.

"With the aim of improving the everyday life of all Afghans after decades of conflict and violations, AIHRC has done its best to resist pressures from Government and opposition alike as it goes about its difficult and dangerous daily work," Zeid noted.

Zeid described the attack as "cowardly and reprehensible," saying that this attack was first and foremost an attack on the Afghan people.

"I hope, despite the tragic loss of their staff, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission will simply come back stronger and more effective than ever, and the United Nations will do its utmost to help it do so," the UN human rights chief said. Endit