KABUL - With the security setting in Kunduz remaining fluid and with civilians placed at risk, UNAMA is continuing its mandated work to track and report on the human rights of those caught in the conflict.

In line with its protection of civilians brief, officials from United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) are looking into the Kunduz incidents, documenting civilian casualties and preparing recommendations to protect civilians for all parties to the conflict.

In an interview with UN Radio yesterday, Nicholas Haysom, the top UN envoy in Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, noted that the air strike on the Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) hospital had further deteriorated the humanitarian conditions in Kunduz. He added that there is a severe shortage of water and power in many parts of the city.

“We all are conscious and concerned about the overall humanitarian situation,” he said. “We know that since the attack on the hospital, there is very limited access to any health facilities, and in one place where medical assistance is offered, there is only one medic.”

He explained that the strike on the Kunduz hospital took place in the context of what he called a “far more general” security deterioration.

“I think the population of Afghanistan has its eye probably more firmly fixed on what is happening throughout the northeast than simply the awful attack on the Kunduz hospital,” he said.

On Saturday, Mr. Haysom condemned what he called a “tragic and devastating” air strike on the MSF hospital in Kunduz.

“I reiterate my call on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect medical and humanitarian personnel and facilities,” the UN envoy said following the attack.

Following a review of the Kunduz incidents, UNAMA will share its findings with the Afghan Government and the NATO-led Resolute Support mission.

Since 2008, UNAMA has formally documented civilian casualty incidents, including those caused by air strikes. UNAMA’s monitoring of civilian casualties has been recognized as a model of best practice inside and outside the United Nations.