UN Calls for Protection of Civilians Amid Afghanistan–Pakistan Clashes
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called for the protection of civilians amid ongoing clashes between Kabul and Islamabad.
The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that access to areas affected by the fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan has become limited.
Stéphane Dujarric added that in Afghanistan the clashes have caused civilian casualties and the destruction of homes.
According to Dujarric, OCHA has urged all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said: “International law is no secret, and it is clear. Civilians must be protected at all times, as well as civilian infrastructure.”
At the same time, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also expressed concern about the escalating clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and their growing humanitarian impact on civilians and displaced people.
In a statement, the organization said that the ongoing military clashes along the disputed Hypothetical Durand Line have caused civilian casualties, damage to critical infrastructure, and the displacement of nearly 66,000 people in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan.
The organization further emphasized that the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and related infrastructure must be respected at all times.
Economic analyst Mohammad Nabi Afghan said: “When we face such incidents and do not have sufficient resources to respond, it is natural that people’s daily lives and needs will be negatively affected. It would be better for the government to take the situation into account and engage with the international community. Many issues can be addressed with neighboring countries through international cooperation.”
Experts also believe that during conflicts all laws of war must be respected and civilians and civilian infrastructure should not be harmed.
Political analyst Moen Gul Samkani said: “War has its own rules, which require adherence to the principles of warfare. Ambulances, hospitals, and civilians must not be harmed, and urgent needs must be addressed in a timely manner. Unfortunately, we are facing an enemy that has not observed these standards since its emergence.”
These developments come as eight days have passed since clashes began between Kabul and Islamabad. According to statistics released by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as of Tuesday Pakistani attacks have resulted in 110 civilian deaths and 123 injuries across seven provinces.
In addition, 8,400 families have been displaced, and 386 houses, mosques, and shops, including a hospital and a madrasa have been partially or completely destroyed.
