UNAMA calls on parties to conflict to do more to safeguard civilians

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported Tuesday there was an urgent need to reduce the level of violence and that all parties to the conflict need to do more to protect civilians.

In a series of tweets, UNAMA stated: “Heavy civilian casualties recently documented by UNAMA underscore urgent need to reduce the violence, for progress in Afghanistan peace negotiations and for all parties to do much more to protect civilians from harm.”

According to UNAMA, at least 23 civilians were killed and 49 were injured in just seven recorded incidents that took place over a three-day period last week in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Sari Pul, Parwan, and Kapisa.

UNAMA stated many civilians are being killed and injured by indirect fire from both ANA and Taliban.

“ANA airstrikes and anti-government elements’ IEDs also causing many civilian casualties. UNAMA is sharing its findings with the parties, urging them to take all measures to protect civilians,” the mission stated.

UNAMA’s report comes on the heels of confirmation Tuesday afternoon that some members of the Afghan Republic’s peace talks team have returned to Doha, Qatar, in the hope of resuming negotiations.

Talks stalled about four months ago, but sources told Ariana News that Taliban talks team members are already in Doha to pick up on talks.