NATO vows to reduce civilian casualties during 2012

By Ghanizada - Mon Feb 06, 9:41 pm

NATO officials in Afghanistan emphasized to concentrate for reducing civilian casualties during military operations in 2012.

The comments by NATO spokesman in Afghanistan was followed by the recent report of the United Nations which showed an increase of 8% in civilian casualties during 2011.

United Nations following its report indicated 4% reduction in civilian casualties as a result of the coalition security forces operation as compared to 2011 however UN officials expressed concerns for civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for NATO Carsten Jacobson said they are assessing the latest report of the United Nations.

NATO spokesman Carsten Jacobson further added, the latest report of the United Nations will help them to take further steps for preventing civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

He said, it is tragic and painful for us that Afghan civilians are suffering, we will use all the possible ways to prevent civilian casualties.

According to United Nations officials, around 11,864 Afghan civilians were killed since 2007.

United Nations blamed the militants groups for 77% of the civilians casualties in 2011, which shows an increase of 14% as compared to previous year.

The report insisted majority of the Afghan civilians suffered in roadside bombings and suicide bomb attacks.

In the meantime UN officials expressed concerns for the continued air raids by NATO-led coalition security forces in Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch organizations also urged those involved in Afghan war to step up actions for prevening Afghan civilians.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay who will report to the Human Rights Council in March on human rights developments in Afghanistan said “It is extremely worrying to see civilian casualties continuing to rise year after year. Behind these numbers is real suffering and loss for families in Afghanistan. It is incumbent on parties to halt this trend and prevent such loss of life.”

Georgette Gagnon, Director of Human Rights for UNAMA said “To the Afghan people, the credibility and value of a negotiation process and progress toward peace will be measured by reduced civilian casualties and real improvements in security, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Only through increased actions to protect civilians will the relentless toll of death and injury to Afghan children, women and men be ended during and following a peace process.”

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