30 May 2006

International anti-poverty agency, ActionAid condemns the killing of three women members of staff who were shot and killed today between 8am – 9am (local time) whilst working in the Shaberghan province, 500 kms from Kabul in the northern district of Afghanistan.

The three members of staff were all from Afghanistan. Two of the women were employed by ActionAid in Afghanistan as social organisers and the other was an administrative assistant. Their driver was also killed. He was employed by a local car hire company.

The four people were killed by unidentified gunmen whilst they were travelling to local village communities to undertake local social project work with the National Solidarity Programme.

"It is appalling that gun men ambushed and shot dead three women committed to their country. ActionAid is devastated by this loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to their family and friends," said Richard Miller, director of ActionAid UK.