(CBS News) KABUL – Civilian casualties caused by the conflict in Afghanistan dropped 15 percent during the first six months of this year, according to a United Nations report, though the international body described these gains as a “hollow trend” and said the conflict in the country continued to take “an unacceptable toll on Afghan men and women.”
diminishes our cause. Therefore, much work has already been done in the way of reviewing our tactical directives and operational procedures. These efforts and the positive work of the other pro-government elements have reversed the trend of increasing civilian casualties over the previous five years. We call on all parties in this conflict to match our resolve.”
But there is no sign that the Taliban is heeding this call. The U.N. report says it has also observed a sharp increase in targeted killings of civilians by insurgent groups as well as an alarming upward trend in human rights abuses in areas controlled by insurgents. The report says the Taliban have begun implementing their own justice system in these areas, using beatings, amputations and executions as punishment. Taliban groups are also interfering with local health care and education, burning down 34 schools during the first half of this year, according to the U.N.
But the report says there are also problems with Afghan police in rural areas, including poor recruitment, weak command structure and a lack of accountability for human rights abuses.
The U.N. is calling on the Afghan government to strengthen the civilian rule of law and investigate these abuses. It also wants the Afghan government to put the issue of civilian casualties high on the agenda during any future negotiations or peace talks with insurgent groups.
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