UN: Victims of Kabul Explosion Entitled to Compensation

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that victims of a deadly explosion at a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul and their families have the right to compensation.

Samin al-Khaitan, spokesperson for the UN human rights body, said during a press conference in Geneva that the incident, which killed dozens of patients, requires an urgent, independent and transparent investigation. She called for the perpetrators to be held accountable according to international standards, with results published publicly.

Eyewitnesses reported extensive destruction at the scene, with hundreds of people searching for relatives, al-Khaitan said.

The UN emphasized that international humanitarian law requires full protection for civilians and civilian targets, particularly medical centers, and that attacks must adhere to principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions.

The UN human rights office highlighted rising civilian casualties from escalating conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since the end of last month, 289 civilians in Afghanistan -- including 104 children and 59 women -- have been killed or injured.

Tens of thousands of people, mainly in southern and southeastern Afghanistan, have been displaced. In Pakistan, some residents have been forced from their homes and schools have closed.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged all parties to take urgent action to protect civilians, end the fighting and ensure humanitarian access for those in need.