'No child should ever become collateral damage' - SAVE THE CHILDREN

Following the explosion today at Kabul airport, Hassan Noor, Regional Director of Save the Children in Asia, said:

"We are devastated by the loss of life, reportedly including children, and the injuries of so many others at Kabul airport today. For children and their families to have been harmed just as they were trying to make their way out of the country, to a new life, is devastating.

"No child should ever lose their lives to war, all efforts must be made to ensure that they do not ever become collateral damage. We are appalled by this senseless act of violence.

"We call on all parties to stop the violence and protect civilians, especially children, and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. This devastating loss also underscores the need to urgently expedite the processing of visas for those Afghans looking to flee, in addition to ensuring there are countries who will welcome them.

"Afghan children deserve peace. All efforts must be made to ensure future generations can grow up in a country free of the fear of violence, death, and injury."

For more information, please contact:

Charlotte Rose, charlotte.rose@savethechildren.org

Belinda Goldsmith, Belinda.goldsmith@savethechildren.org

Out of hours (BST), media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409