CPG underlines steps to reduce civilian casualties

KABUL (Pajhwok): Civilian Protection Group (CPG) on Wednesday expressed concerns over the rising civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict, saying the warring factions should develop rules of engagement to protect civilians.

The group said that the first quarter of 2015 witnessed 80 per cent rise in civilian casualties as compared to the first quarter of last year.

The rise, according to CPG, clearly needs a change of policy in terms of civilian protection and the way the affected were being compensated.

Mursal Kargar, CPG member, told journalists in order to reduce civilian casualties the peace process should go ahead rigorously and the warring factions should be made bound to protect civilians.

“If the government tries more to bring peace and make the peace process a success, violence will come down and naturally civilian casualties will decrease as well,” she added.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in a report called 2014 the deadliest year for civilians since 2001. Based on its report, more than 3,699 civilians had died and another 6,849 wounded which showed a 22 per cent increase than 2013.

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