REPORTS ON THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS IN ARMED CONFLICT

UNAMA is strictly impartial and independent in its work that is focused on helping all parties to better protect civilians from the armed conflict. UNAMA’s civilian casualty documentation is one of a range of measures undertaken by the Mission to assist in limiting harm to civilians. UNAMA’s findings are shared with the parties to help them better understand the impact of their operations on the civilian population so that they may address the harm they cause and implement measures to better protect civilians. If any party has information to help establish the facts around incidents involving civilian casualties, they are encouraged to share it.
UNAMA urges all parties to the conflict to strengthen their engagement with the United Nations and reminds them of their responsibility to protect civilians. Peace remains the best protection for civilians affected by armed conflict. UNAMA calls on all parties and those who can influence them to work toward political solutions to end the conflict.
UNAMA recognizes that in the context of the war in Afghanistan, all parties are prone to issue tendentious pronouncements. UNAMA, as an impartial and independent body, will continue to establish reliable and accurate data that it will share with parties and the public as part of an advocacy-orientated approach to reduce civilian casualties to zero.