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August 5, 2015

Afghanistan: U.N. Reports "Record-High Levels" of Civilian Casualties 
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In news from Afghanistan, the United Nations is reporting civilian
casualties are at "record-high levels." The U.N. says nearly 1,600
civilians have died since January, the highest number of any similar
time period since 2009. The majority of the deaths are reportedly from
Taliban forces. However, the report notes a 60 percent increase in
deaths caused by U.S.-backed government forces. Danielle Bell, the
director of the United Nations Human Rights Unit in Afghanistan, spoke
earlier today.

Danielle Bell: "The vast majority, or 90 percent, of all civilian
casualties resulted from ground engagements, improvised explosive
devices, or IEDs, complex and suicide attacks, and targeted killings.
This destruction and damage to Afghan lives must be met by a new
commitment by all parties to the conflict to protect civilians from
harm."

 

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