17 March 2026

Last night’s tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, that reportedly left scores of patients dead, must be investigated promptly, independently and transparently, and those responsible held to account in line with international standards. Those results must be made public. Victims and victims’ families are entitled to reparations.

Witnesses described a scene of total destruction at the hospital site, and seeing hundreds of people looking for their relatives.

Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects are strictly protected. The laws of war clearly spell out that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. International humanitarian law provides for specific and increased protections for medical facilities.

Since the hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated at the end of last month, 289 Afghan civilians, including 104 children and 59 women, have been killed or injured. Tens of thousands, mostly in the south and southeast of the country, have been displaced by the fighting.

In Pakistan, many have also been forced to flee their homes and schools have been closed. 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reiterates his call on all parties to take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians, in line with their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. He calls for an immediate end to hostilities, and for all parties to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those desperately in need.