The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Ghanim Alnajjar, issued the following statement:

"It is with great sadness that I learn of the killing of three staff members of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Holland in Somalia yesterday. Victor Okunnu, a Kenyan doctor; Damien Lehalle, a French logistician and their Somali driver, Billan were killed when their car was hit by a roadside blast outside the town of Kismayo. A Somali journalist, Hassan Kafi Hared, as well as a Somali boy - both who were nearby - were also reportedly killed in this explosion.

These deaths are a great loss and I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who were killed.

I wish to strongly condemn the killings of the three MSF staff and all attacks on aid workers, journalists and human rights defenders in Somalia. I also wish to strongly reiterate that the international aid community must be allowed to carry out their humanitarian and human rights work in safety and without fear of retaliation. These brave people work under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances and their senseless deaths are an affront to all Somalis and the humanitarian and international communities.

I appeal to all authorities and groups concerned to ensure safe and secure conditions for humanitarian and human rights activities and I urge the Somali authorities to investigate this case and all cases in order to bring the perpetrators to justice."