UN seeks an end to Afghan conflict

Protest against Afghan conflict in London Protest against Afghan conflict in London Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash.

03 September 2021

Secretary-General and UN Afghanistan mission demands end to fighting 

The Taliban is now moving to the capital region and establishing control over other mainstream provinces and the collateral damages are colossal, putting danger to the life of civilians. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the most serious challenge Afghan civilians are facing is the lack of security that has followed the withdrawal of foreign troops and the consequent instability of the Afghan government.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is assisting displaced Afghan citizens. This year around 360,000 Afghans have fled due to the conflict, according to UNHCR. The Taliban’s tactics deliberately target civilians, a pattern evident from attacks on educational institutions and hospitals. Women and Children are the most vulnerable groups. According to the UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, 40 people were killed and 118 injured in Lashkagah, the capital of Helmand Province. Many British and US soldiers were killed, and videos were uploaded on social media by Taliban members. Kandahar, where the Taliban hope to make their temporary capital, has seen five civilians killed and 42 wounded, as stated by Mr. Dujarric. The area around Herat also witnessed fighting Friday (July 30, 2021) between the Taliban and Government Forces. No UN personnel were harmed but one member of the Afghan Security Forces was killed and others injured.

The UN has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan since 1998 with a focus on peacekeeping. UNAMA’s stated purpose is to impartially and independently work for the betterment of Afghan civilians. The United Nations Population Fund also deployed 14 Mobile Health Teams in the first quarter of 2020 to support the vulnerable and provide quick health relief. Following the Taliban's military offensive, the UN Security Council expressed deep concern about the level of violence in Afghanistan and called for an immediate reduction of violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the 31 July Herat attack saying it could be regarded as a war crime because it involved UN personnel.

 

Sources:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097032

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-chief-strongly-condemns-attack-on-uns-main-compound-in-afghanistans-herat/article35647396.ece

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58040141

 

Author: Niranjana J Anil, Editor: Alexander Collin

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