Speaking for the Dutch government, development minister Bert Koenders offered his condolences to Josette Sheeran, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), after five WFP employees were killed in a bombing at the organisation’s offices in Pakistan yesterday.

Mr Koenders: ‘Those who died were great defenders of humanitarian principles. They were working on the frontlines, supplying food assistance to millions of people in Pakistan in incredibly difficult circumstances.’

WFP also provides emergency food assistance in the Swat Valley region, with Dutch support. ‘It is unacceptable that the United Nations has again been the target of an attack,’ said Mr Koenders.

A number of people were injured in the attack and are being treated in hospital.



Comments/Questions? Email netherlands@un.int