“Attacks Targeting UN Peacekeepers May Constitute War Crimes Under International Law”, Says UN Secretary General Condemning Attack on Sri Lankan Peacekeepers
January 27, 2019UN Secretary General, António Guterres in another statement says the Mali attack on Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. Here follows the full statement;
STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SPOKESMAN OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE ATTACKS AGAINST MINUSMA
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack against a MINUSMA convoy near Douentza, Mopti region, this morning. Two peacekeepers from Sri Lanka were killed and six injured. A peacekeeper from Burkina Faso was injured in a separate IED attack against another Mission convoy near Douentza yesterday.
The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the Government of Sri Lanka and the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Malian authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack, so that they can be brought to justice as swiftly as possible.
These cowardly acts will not deter MINUSMA’s determination to support the people and Government of Mali in their pursuit of peace and stability.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 25 January 2019
Courtesy: army.lk