UNAMA: Afghan War Victims Still Face Lasting Harm, Lack Access to Justice
UNAMA said in a new report that victims of armed conflict in Afghanistan from 2001 to August 15, 2021, continue to face severe physical, psychological, and economic consequences, while many lack access to justice and support.
According to the report, from January 2009 to August 15, 2021, more than 40,000 civilians were killed and 77,000 others were wounded. Efforts to uphold victims’ rights and hold perpetrators accountable have faced numerous obstacles.
The report is based on interviews with 195 victims and their family members, 23 non-governmental organizations, and 23 Islamic Emirate officials.
According to the findings, 95% of those interviewed reported psychological or emotional harm, while 58% reported physical injuries, chronic pain, or disabilities. Meanwhile, 55% had taken no action to seek justice or compensation, and 64% of those who had sought assistance complained of administrative barriers and a lack of response.
Victims identified compensation, access to justice, and preventing the recurrence of violations as among their main demands.
UNAMA’s findings on victims of the conflict from 2001 to August 15, 2021, show:
95% reported psychological or emotional harm
58% reported physical injury or disability
55% took no action to seek justice or compensation
81% called for compensation
48% called for justice
47% called for preventing the recurrence of violations
Samiullah Ahmadzai, a political analyst, said: “They bombed civilians in schools, madrasas, and mosques, and the effects are still being felt by Afghans and will continue for a long time. The negative impact on people’s mental and psychological well-being remains, and Western countries and the United States now have a responsibility to address the suffering.”
In the report, UNAMA called on all parties to the conflict to take responsibility for their actions and urged the Islamic Emirate to establish comprehensive programs to uphold the rights of victims and provide them with support.
The organization also called on UN member states to provide more assistance to Afghanistan, focusing on the needs and priorities of victims of armed conflict.
Idris Mohammadi Zazai, a political analyst, said: “In addition to reporting, another responsibility of UNAMA is to facilitate the process of obtaining compensation for individuals and families who have suffered harm.”
Asadullah Nadim, a military analyst, said: “Now that the Islamic Emirate is in power, it is responsible for managing these issues and should establish government-level programs to address the needs of war victims.”
The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on the matter.
Families of victims of foreign military operations in Afghanistan have previously called for judicial investigations, accountability for those responsible, and compensation.
In recent years, cases concerning the conduct of Australian and British special forces in Afghanistan have also been raised, with some still undergoing judicial proceedings and legal reviews.
