HERAT – As part of a series of events broadcast on local radio, UNAMA in Herat organized a panel of human rights experts recently to discuss the protection of civilians in conflict. The discussion was broadcast on Ariana Radio.

Last year saw a record number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, with almost 3,500 people killed across the country.

Sayed Ashraf Saddat, the Civil Society Coordinator for the Herat Provincial Peace Advocacy Committee, said that ground engagements in populated areas are the leading cause of civilian casualties.

“We call on all parties to cease fighting in areas where the possibility of civilian casualties is high,” he said.

Marzia Rahmani, a Civil Society Activist, said warring parties should respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.

“These groups must cease the use of IEDs, mortars, rockets, grenades and other weapons, and aerial attacks in civilian-populated areas,” she said.

“Immediate actions and strategies need to be taken in protection of civilians and in bringing into justice any group responsible in harming civilians,” she added.

In its recent report release in February 2017, The United Nations called on all warring parties in Afghanistan to take urgent steps to halt the killing and maiming of civilians. The report recorded the highest ever number of civilian casualties in a single year, including record figures for children killed and injured in 2016.

The report documents 11,418 conflict-related civilian casualties, including 3,498 killed and 7,920 injured. Of these, 3,512 were children - 923 dead and 2,589 injured, up 24 per cent on the previous highest recorded figure. The figures, recorded by UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), are the highest since the UN began systematically documenting civilian casualty figures in 2009.

The report also documents the increase in attacks perpetrated by Daesh/ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province), particularly targeting Shia Muslims. UNAMA documented 899 civilian casualties (209 deaths and 690 injured), a ten-fold increase from last year. The majority of the casualties caused by Daesh/ISKP occurred in three large-scale attacks on the Shia Muslim community.

Airstrikes carried out by Afghan and international forces caused 590 civilian casualties (250 deaths and 340 injured) nearly double that recorded in 2015 and the highest since 2009.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps that the UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent national and international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.