Kubis to Taliban: Keep civilian protection promise

KABUL of their commitment to protecting civilians.

At least 41 civilians, mostly government workers, were killed and more than 100 others wounded in the Taliban’s bomb-gun attack on a crowded courthouse in Farah City. The assault was the deadliest for civilians since December 2011.

UNAMA head Ján Kubiš said: “Who is a civilian requiring protection is not a matter of controversy; the term is defined in international law and parties to the conflict, including the Taliban, are obliged to abide by this definition.”

In a statement, the diplomat said:  “The United Nations again calls on the Taliban to follow through on their previous public commitments to protect civilians.”

The civilian toll of the armed conflict has already increased in 2013, according to the statement that referred to UNAMA’s repeated calls for all parties to protect civilians.

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