Language

Don't you have an account with Pajhwok Afghan News?

Click here to subscribe.

Internal mechanism to protect civilians stressed

Internal mechanism to protect civilians stressed

author avatar
11 Mar 2013 - 13:48
Internal mechanism to protect civilians stressed
author avatar
11 Mar 2013 - 13:48

KABUL coalition on Monday called for the creation of an internal mechanism to protect civilians in the armed conflict against the rebels and monitor the actions and behaviour of Afghan and international troops.

The Transitional Justice Coordination Group (TJCG) in a statement said that a February 2013 UN report, showing 2,754 civilian deaths at the hands of anti-government groups last year, was followed by intense concern among the public and civil society groups.

The report said another 4,805 civilians were injured in 2012 by the armed groups. The dead included 1,070 religious leaders, elders and women who were involved peace talks.

Also, 488 children have been killed and 814 others were injured, the UN report said, showing 52 percent increase in target killings, 20 percent increase in murders of women by the government armed opposition.

TJCG said the figures reflected the Taliban still had no belief in peace and they were not in the mood to participate and support the process.

Still, the TJCG said the Afghan government was insisting on continuing the peace process with the opposition and was trying to share the power and provide them opportunities through a roadmap for power sharing. “But the power-sharing plan itself encourages further violence and insecurity, as well as increased violence and killing civilians,” it added.

The civil society outfit said the lack of a clear strategy by the government and its ‘inefficient tactics’ in achieving peace and no interest from the opposition in peace had left the High Peace Council convoy in a dark road only leading into the elimination of its members, manipulation of public opinion, a waste of public funds and preparing ground for hidden deals and corruption. “It will not respond to the suffering of the Afghan society at all.”

The group denounced the loss of life, damage to public and private properties and requested all involved parties in the  conflict in Afghanistan to put the prevention of civilian casualties and property damage on the top of their activities.

It suggested parties to the conflict should make their troops familiar with the laws and regulations of war  and prevent them from attacking civilian areas and monitor them regularly.

pr/ma

Visits: 0

Related Topics

GET IN TOUCH

SUGGEST A STORY

Pajhwok is interested in your story suggestions. Please tell us your thoughts by clicking here.

PAJHWOK MOBILE APP

Download our mobile application to get the latest updates on your mobile phone. Read more