Amnesty International Calls for Independent Probe into Kabul School Blast

Amnesty International Calls for Independent Probe into Kabul School Blast

Amnesty International has called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the explosion targeting Shams Hedayat School in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of western Kabul, Afghanistan, which injured at least 42 students. The organization also urged the Taliban authorities to take measures to protect civilians and religious and ethnic minorities.
In a statement, Amnesty International described Monday’s explosion as a matter of “grave concern,” noting that Dasht-e-Barchi, a predominantly Hazara Shia area, has faced a series of attacks over more than a decade targeting schools, mosques, medical centers, and public transportation.
The organization called on the Taliban, as Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, to ensure the protection of civilians, particularly members of ethnic and religious minorities who remain at risk of attack.
It also stressed the need for a comprehensive, effective, independent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the explosion, in accordance with international laws and standards, and for those suspected of responsibility to be held accountable through fair trials.
According to available information, most of those injured in the explosion were students between the ages of 9 and 14.
The incident comes amid continued warnings from human rights organizations and international bodies over the security risks facing Hazaras and Shia Muslims in Afghanistan, particularly in predominantly Shia areas that have witnessed repeated attacks on civilian, religious, and educational facilities in recent years.