UN Reports Over 3,000 Civilian Deaths, Almost 7,000 Injuries In Afghanistan In 2019
Faizan Hashmi Published February 22, 2020 | 12:02 PM
The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan took the lives of more than 3,000 civilians and resulted in almost 7,000 people getting injured last year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced on Saturday, saying that 2019 marked the sixth year in a row when the number of civili
BEIRUT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd February, 2020) The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan took the lives of more than 3,000 civilians and resulted in almost 7,000 people getting injured last year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced on Saturday, saying that 2019 marked the sixth year in a row when the number of civilian casualties in the conflict surpassed 10,000.
The UNAMA has published its data as the United States and the Taliban movement reached an accord on a week-long reduction of violence in Afghanistan, which, if successful, will lead to the signing of a peace agreement on February 29.
"The new report documents 3,403 civilians killed and 6,989 injured, with the majority of the civilian casualties inflicted by anti-government elements. It is the sixth year in a row that the number of civilian casualties has exceeded 10,000," the UNAMA said in a statement.
According to the mission, 2019 saw a five percent decrease in civilian casualties compared to 2018 due to a lower number of casualties caused by the Islamic State terrorist organization (banned in Russia). At the same time, it notes that the number of victims of the Taliban and the international military forces increased last year.
"All parties to the conflict must comply with the key principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution to prevent civilian casualties," Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, adding that the conflicting sides must take steps to prevent further casualties.
In its negotiations with the United States, the Taliban has been seeking to ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees that the country will not become a safe haven for terrorists.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SC orders end of encroachments in Karachi
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
More Stories From World
-
Paris landmark Moulin Rouge's windmill sails collapse
14 minutes ago -
Ahead of feared Rafah invasion, Palestinians mourn bombardment dead
14 minutes ago -
155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains cause floods, landslides: PM
14 minutes ago -
Car giants vie for EV crown at Beijing's Auto China show
15 minutes ago -
Chinese defense minister to attend SCO meeting in Kazakhstan
25 minutes ago -
China-Bangladesh to hold joint military exercise in May
35 minutes ago
-
Residents protest as Venice launches five-euro entry fee
44 minutes ago -
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on rise
1 hour ago -
Pakistan envoy visits TomatoWorld in Netherlands
1 hour ago -
Chinese defense minister to attend SCO meeting in Kazakhstan
1 hour ago -
China, Pakistan should engage in greater counter-terrorism cooperation to combat hostile forces: Khu ..
1 hour ago -
Scottish leader scraps coalition deal with Greens
1 hour ago