UN Rapporteur Bennett Calls for Independent Investigations into Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul Rehab Center

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has called for independent, swift and transparent investigations into Pakistan's airstrike on the Omid addicts' clinic in east Kabul on March 16.

Bennett referred to a recent statement by UN experts, emphasizing accountability for the attack while respecting international laws and protecting civilians. The experts condemned the airstrike and expressed deepest condolences to the victims' families while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The UN experts highlighted the impact of border clashes between Pakistan and Taliban forces since February 26, which have displaced more than 115,000 civilians and resulted in at least 289 casualties in Afghanistan, including 76 killed and 213 wounded.

Civilian infrastructure has been damaged, including treatment centers, homes, markets and shelters for internally displaced persons. Schools and borders have been closed, and trade suspended.

The experts urged Pakistan and the de facto authorities of Afghanistan (Taliban) to commit to a permanent ceasefire, resolve the roots of the conflict peacefully and ensure accountability for violations of international law. They stressed that all authorities, including the Taliban, must prevent terrorist groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan from committing human rights violations.

The UN experts stated that Pakistan's attacks on Afghanistan lack legitimacy under international law, with no evidence published showing that the Taliban directed or controlled such attacks by the group. Pakistan has targeted more than ten provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Panjshir, claiming the strikes aim to target terrorist groups and weaken Taliban military infrastructure. The Taliban has spoken of retaliatory attacks.