Coronavirus fury illustrates war folly: UN

KABUL (UNAMA) on Wednesday urged the parties in the country’s conflict to further reduce levels of violence to protect civilians and work towards a ceasefire and a lasting political settlement.

The mission echoed Monday’s call by the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for a global ceasefire so that the necessary focus and resources can be provided to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious threat to all Afghans.

In a statement, the mission said a reduction in violence leading to a ceasefire would save lives, provide parties with a more conducive environment crisis posed by COVID-19.

Despite some de-escalation in hostilities following the end of February announcement for a reduction in violence, UNAMA continues to record conflict-related civilian casualties with more than 100 killed and many more injured in the 1-25 March period.

A significant proportion of these civilian casualties were caused by Anti-Government Elements, such as in today’s Islamic State (Khorasan Province)-claimed attack at a Sikh-Hindu temple in Kabul that killed and injured dozens of civilians.

The group’s March 6 attack at a commemoration in the capital killed 34 civilians and injured scores more. The Taliban were responsible for a high number of civilian casualties, mainly from non-suicide improvised explosive devices and targeted killings.

UNAMA noted fewer civilian casualties attributed to Afghan national security forces, but was seriously concerned by incidents such as the 21 March Afghan Air Force strike in Kunduz that killed 11, mainly women and children. 

UNAMA emphasized that the best way to protect civilians from conflict and the evolving health crisis was to stop the fighting altogether.

“The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war,” said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “That is why today, I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world… End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world. It starts by stopping the fighting everywhere. Now.” 

The United Nations remains ready to support an inclusive Afghan-led process that includes women, minorities and youth; upholds the human rights of all citizens; and leads to a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

pr/ma