Yesterday (Wednesday 24 January 2018), there was widespread media coverage of an attack on Save the Children’s offices in the Jalalabad, eastern Afghanistan where four members of their team have been confirmed as being killed.
The attack marks the latest in a series of abhorrent attacks on the courageous aid workers who are working tirelessly to help those most in need of humanitarian and development assistance.
Save the Children has temporarily suspended all of its programmes in Afghanistan. Their vital work in the country reaches over 1.4 million children by providing food, healthcare and an education. The UK’s commitment to supporting the millions in need in Afghanistan will not be cowed by terrorist attacks.
Responding to the news yesterday (24 January 2018), the International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:
“Horrific attack against Save the Children office in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. My thoughts and deepest condolences go to all those affected. I strongly condemn the appalling targeting of humanitarian and development workers who are giving lifesaving support to vulnerable people.”