UN report: Afghanistan civilian death toll hits “record highs” in first half of 2021

The number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan during the first half of 2021 reached “record levels”, including one “Drastic increase” in deaths and injuries since May, when international troops began to withdraw and the Taliban stepped up their offensive, making significant territorial advances.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stressed on Monday in a report that during the In the first half of the year, there were 5,183 civilian casualties, 1,659 dead and 3,254 injured, 47% more than in the same period in 2020, before adding that 2021 could end as the year with the most civilian casualties to date if there is no change in the trend.

The mission stated that In May and June, “almost the same number” of civilian casualties was recorded as in the previous four months combined, with 2,392 casualties, 783 dead and 1,609 injured, also being the highest number so far for these months. since the start of the accounts in 2009.

In this context, UNAMA denounced that about half of civilian casualties are boys, girls and women, 46%, of whom 32% are minors, with 468 dead and 1,214 injured, the highest figure so far in the first half of the year.

Thus, he pointed out that anti-government groups, including the Taliban are responsible for 64% of civilian casualties. The Taliban are responsible for 39%, 9% of the Islamic State and 16% of undetermined groups.

For their part, Pro-government forces are responsible for 25% of civilian casualties23% of security forces and 2% of pro-government groups, while 11% were accused of crossfire between the conflicting parties.

UNAMA noted that the number of civilian casualties attributable to anti-government armed groups increased by 63% during this period compared to the first half of 2020, while the figure attributed to security forces increased by 30%.

In response, Afghan army spokesman Omar Shinuari dismissed the latter point and argued that “security forces have withdrawn from many areas to avoid civilian casualties,” as the channel reported. Afghan television Tolo TV.

For the first time, UNAMA did not attribute civilian casualties to the international coalition, while specifying that the main cause of the victims was the explosion of homemade artifacts, which claimed 38% of all civilian casualties, nearly three times the number during this period of 2020.

To this, we must add that 33% of civilian casualties were recorded during land clashes, 14% were caused by selective assassinations by armed groups and 8% by bombardments by the Afghan air force.

“I urge the Taliban and the Afghan leadership to take heed of the dark and frightening trajectory of the conflict and its devastating impact on civilians,” said the UN special representative for Afghanistan and the head of UNAMA , Deborah Lyons.

Thus, he stressed that “the report is a clear warning on the unprecedented number of civilians who will die or be injured this year if the violence does not decrease”, before asking the two parties “to step up efforts at the table. negotiations and end the fighting between Afghans ”. “Protect the Afghans and give them hope for a better future”, is it argued.

UNAMA also stressed that much of the fighting during the months of May and June took place outside urban areas, for which it expressed concern over the possibility of an outbreak of clashes in the regions. densely populated areas and its impact on civilians.

“The search for a military solution will only increase the suffering of the Afghan people,” said the report, which also reminded the parties of their obligations under international law and their commitment to do so, which they stressed. July 18 in a joint statement after a meeting in Qatar’s capital, Doha.

On another note, UNAMA has expressed “deep concern” over “deliberate” attacks on civilians by anti-government groups, including the killing of officials, activists, media workers, religious leaders and others. aid workers, as well as sectarian dye attacks.

“The children have been deliberately attacked at least once”, UNAMA said in its memo, reference to the attack perpetrated on May 8 in front of a school in the capital Kabul, which left at least 85 wounded and more than 200 wounded, without any group claiming responsibility for the attack.

UNAMA also reported a rebound in attacks on religious minorities, most of them perpetrated against members of the Hazara community, claimed almost entirely by the jihadist group Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP).

Finally, he expressed concern at the increase in killings, ill-treatment, persecution and discrimination in communities affected by the fighting and stressed that all parties must respect human rights and dignity. people, in addition to taking action to prevent this type of abuse. and rape.

(with EP information)

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