The Afghan government on Monday said it is taking all necessary steps to protect the lives of civilians and to minimize damage to their property during military operations.
In a press release issued by ARG (the Presidential Palace) it was stated that government had carefully studied the report released on Monday by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on the civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2016.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan puts the safety of lives and properties of the civilians among its fundamental agenda and main objectives. Government will consider legal action in case damage is caused by the security and defense forces to civilians,” the press release reads.
ARG’s statement comes just hours after UNAMA issued its annual report – at the same time calling on all warring parties in Afghanistan to take urgent steps to halt the killing and maiming of civilians.
UNAMA documented the highest ever number of civilian casualties in a single year, including record figures for children killed and injured in 2016.
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