Attack on Lankan UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under int. law

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres in another statement stated that the Mali attack on Sri Lankan UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

The Secretary-General strongly condemned the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack against a MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali) convoy near Douentza, Mopti Region, on Friday (25). 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.

Guterres expressed 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 recalled that attacks targeting UN Peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He called 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, he further emphasised.