The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) documented 2,754 civilian deaths in 2012, a 12% drop, and 4,805 injuries, a slight rise.

 

The reduction was attributed to less fighting on the ground, and a decline in suicide attacks and air operations.

 

But the report also expressed concern about the re-emergence of armed groups, particularly in Afghanistan's north.

 

Civilians² also faced an increase in threats, intimidation³ and interference with their rights to education, health, justice and freedom of movement from militants⁴, it added.

 

 

Jan Kubis, the UN special representative in Afghanistan, said the decrease in civilian casualties in 2012 was "very much welcome" but that the "human cost of the conflict remains⁵ unacceptable".

 

"Indiscriminate and unlawful use of improvised⁶ explosive devices by anti-government elements remains the single biggest killer⁷ of civilians.

 

"Steep increases in the deliberate targeting of civilians perceived to be supporting the government demonstrates another grave violation⁸ of international humanitarian⁹ law."

 

Particularly appalling¹⁰, Mr Kubis added, was the use of suicide attacks - including those carried out by "brainwashed" children - to murder civilians.

 

In total, 81% of civilian casualties in 2012 were attributed to militants, while 8% resulted from operations by pro-government forces.

 

It also noted¹¹ that women and girls "continued to suffer enormously from the effects of armed conflict", with 301 killed and 563 injured - an increase of 20%.

 

"It is the tragic¹² reality that most Afghan women and girls were killed or injured while engaging in their everyday activities," said Georgette Gagnon, Unama's director of human rights.

 

The report said improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by insurgents¹³ were the greatest threat to civilians, causing 868 deaths and 1,663 injuries. Targeted killings¹⁴ by militants also increased by 108%, with 698 people killed and 379 hurt.

 

"Unama notes numerous Taliban statements in 2012 to protect civilians. Yet, the situation on the ground has not improved. The Taliban increased their direct attacks on civilians through targeted killings and continued to indiscriminately use IEDs," the agency said.

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