Afghanistan: school bombings in ethnic Hazara area of Kabul 'inexcusable'

At least six people killed, though death toll may rise

Journalists were prevented by the Taliban from reporting on the attacks

‘The Taliban, as the de facto authorities, are failing to protect civilians’ - Samira Hamidi

Responding to the death of at least six people - and injuries to 11 others, including children - following a series of bomb blasts today in Abdul Rahim Shaheed High School and near the Mumtaz Education Center, both of which are located within the predominately Hazara Shiite neighbourhood of Dasht-e-Barchi in West Kabul, Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner, said:

“These reprehensible attacks on schools highlight the violence that Afghan people continue to face in their daily lives.  “It also shows that the Taliban, as the de facto authorities, are failing to protect civilians - especially those from ethnic and religious minority groups - from harm.  “This tragic loss of life is completely inexcusable and must be condemned. “It is essential that the de facto authorities carry out a thorough investigation into the attacks, which should be conducted in line with international law and standards.  “Amnesty International also strongly condemns the use of violence after the bombings by the Taliban who sought to prevent the media from reporting on the incident.  “Afghan journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of reprisals.”

Amnesty has previously documented the targeted killing of members of the ethnic Hazara community following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan last year.