The recent violent deaths of aid workers in Afghanistan highlights the growing risks surrounding aid delivery and an increased disrespect for humanitarian personnel in Afghanistan, the United Nations said on Saturday.
Mark Bowden, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan in a statement says he is "extremely concerned" about the rise in violence, which comes as NATO coalition forces prepare to withdraw from the country next year.
The violence is taking place at a time when Afghanistan is in a "difficult transition" that could lead to increased humanitarian needs, he said.
The U.N. says it has recorded 237 incidences against humanitarian workers, facilities and assets in Afghanistan this year, including 36 deaths.
Last week, the Taliban shot dead six local staffers working for the French aid group Acted in northern Faryab province on Wednesday, local officials said.
The incident took place in the Pashton district of the province. Another staffer was injured in the incident.
The Acted released a statement from Paris condemning the killings and correcting an earlier report that the death toll was seven.
Acted, which is based in Paris, works on development projects in 31 countries.
It was founded in Afghanistan in 1993.