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UN urges parties to minimize impact of conflict on civilians in Afghanistan
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Wednesday called on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to minimize the impact of fighting on civilians.
Afghan women
New statistics released by the UN mission show that 2009 proved to be the deadliest year for civilians since the fall of the Taliban regime eight years ago.
The UN mission recorded over 2,400 civilian casualties during 2009, a 14 per cent rise from those recorded in 2008.
The United Nations chief human rights officer in Afghanistan, Norah Niland says anti-government elements are responsible for the largest proportion of civilian deaths.
She points out that the increased use of explosives and suicide attacks accounts for more than 40 per cent of the death toll.
"Well, of course, both sets of warring parties have a responsibility to only conduct warfare, to only conduct military operations in a way that is not harmful to civilians. And one of the basic norms, one of the basic regulations is that fighters have a responsibility to make a distinction between Afghans and others who are civilians and those who are fighters or combatants."
Norah Niland says the United Nations is also concerned about the location of military bases in civilian areas because when they are targeted civilian casualties go up.
She adds that the armed opposition fighters also have the responsibility not to conduct warfare in villages or valleys where civilians live.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations Radio
duration: 1'35"
