SCA condemns rocket against hospital, that killed five-year-old boy

Yesterday, 26th of October, a five-year-old boy was killed when a rocket hit the hospital in Maidan Shar, Wardak. The hospital is run by the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA). The rocket was fired at a hospital during an attack against Maidan Shar, from the armed opposition groups.

-We clearly condemn this attack. Once again, SCA has been the victim of a crime against humanitarian principles and the Geneva Convention. This time an innocent boy lost his life, and another seven people was injured, says Madeleine Jufors, Country Director of SCA.

-Although our assessment is that the rocket was not deliberately fired at SCA’s hospital, it is still a violation of the principles saying that all actors of a conflict have to respect medical facilities. SCA is a neutral party in the military conflict in Afghanistan and our ability to provide the Afghan people with health and education depends on the warring parties do their utmost to protect our facilities, says Madeleine Jufors

The boy that was killed was standing near the reception, waiting to get attended, when the rocket hit the hospital. Also the injured persons were in the are close to the reception.

In February a raid was conducted by government armed forces against a SCA run clinic in Tangi Saidan, Wardak. Two patients and a young boy were taken out from the clinic and killed. SCA also called that incident a gross violation of humanitarian principles and the Geneva Convention.

The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) has worked for more than 30 years in Afghanistan. Close to 70 000 children go to schools run by SCA. Over two million people receive medical care each year in SCA run clinics and hospitals. SCA also support rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and contribute to development in rural areas. SCA has over 5 000 Afghan employees, all contributing to stability in an unstable country. 

For further information contact:

International media. Bjorn Lindh: +93 794 64 02 43

Afghan media. Baktash Musaver 0700 66 05 64