HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ON FIGHTERS IN MAZAR-I-SHARIF TO RESPECT RIGHTS OF NON-COMBATANTS AND MINORITIES

11 November 2001




United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson said today she has been following closely the situation in Mazar-I-Sharif in northern Afghanistan, given the fast changing events in recent days, including the arrival of Northern Alliance forces on 10 November.

Mindful of the history of retaliation and great loss of civilian life that has accompanied previous changes of power in the city and the surrounding areas, the High Commissioner is calling on all combatants in Mazar-I-Sharif to take every necessary measure to ensure full respect for the rights of non-combatants and those hors de combat, including civilians of the various minority groups. “It is time to end the climate of impunity in Afghanistan. This is the very least we must guarantee the long-suffering civilian population”, said Mrs. Robinson.




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