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Read, Debate: Engage.
| topic: | Human Rights |
|---|---|
| located: | Afghanistan |
| editor: | Shadi Khan Saif |
Agonising images of blood-littered dead bodies of innocent Afghan children shook the war-weary nation yet again as a troubling spate of violence rips through the country.
The car bombing in Nangarhar province on Saturday, October 3, that claimed more than 15 lives – mostly children – is a grim reminder that the evils of war recognise no limits or regards for humanity.
These child victims of the Shinwar region of Nangarhar were arguably the fourth generation of Afghans born in war and perished. What could be more devastating and moving for a sane person?
Isn’t safeguarding the lives of these little angels more important than some sort of strategic goals hindering the peace process here from moving forward?
At the launch of the long-due intra-Afghan talks last month, it was hoped the warring factions would deliver some sort of respite to the people from these tragedies by agreeing on a humanitarian ceasefire, but alas.
The relentless reliance on the use of force and violence by all involved parties in the Afghan conflict has led to a situation when no one is safe, nowhere.
These are extraordinary times for the peace brokers from the Afghan government and the Taliban insurgents to rise above their petty bickering and embrace non-violence as the ultimate guideline. Violence has so far only brought destruction to this land in the past four decades.
Latest by the Afghanistan Human Rights Commission reveal that in the first six months of this year alone, 533 people were killed and 412 were injured in systematic and targeted assassinations. These aren’t simply numbers.
The warring parties need to realise sooner than later that the teachings of non-violence preached by some of the great politicians in the history such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Bacha Khan are universal and are solely aimed to serve humanity regardless of religious beliefs, geographical boundaries, colour or cast.
Can’t they see that the famous quote attributed to Gandhi, “An Eye for an Eye Will Make the Whole World Blind” is literally what they are facing?
Image by carolynabooth
