The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement it is deeply concerned that Friday's protests have led to more violence and loss of life following Wednesday's truck bombing that caused hundreds of civilian casualties.
"The genuine anger expressed by the protesters, many of whom suffered the loss of family and friends, is fully understandable," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan.
"But this tragic week has already added too much civilian suffering to Afghanistan, and further violence will not solve any problems," he said.
He said that while recognizing the constitutional right of those with grievances to express them peacefully in public demonstrations, UNAMA reminds those protesting, and also those in a position to protect the protestors, that they all have an obligation to avoid violence.
"During the emotional period following the horrific attack that took place this week in Kabul, it is imperative to seek ways to listen to and voice grievances peacefully," said Yamamoto.
He welcomed government's willingness to meet with those who protested on Friday.
"I strongly discourage any actor from seeking opportunistically to use these very emotional and fragile moments to destabilize the situation and risk further harm to civilians," said Yamamoto, who is also the head of UNAMA.
This comes after security forces opened fire on protestors in the Wazir Akbar Khan area of Kabul city on Friday. At least five demonstrators were killed and 15 wounded.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/6878
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