The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) revealed that May 2011 has been 'the deadliest month for Afghan civilians since at least 2007'. They have released a statement calling for protection of civilians while revealing their concern that civilian 'suffering' is due to increase this summer.
“More civilians were killed in May than in any other month since 2007 when UNAMA began documenting civilian casualties,” said Georgette Gagnon, Director of Human Rights for UNAMA.
The organisation has documented 368 conflict-related civilian deaths and 593 civilian injuries in May, making May 2011 the deadliest month for the Afghan civilians.
Georgette also stated the organisations fears of an increase in civilian casualties this summer. He said: “We are very concerned that civilian suffering will increase even more over the summer fighting season which historically brings the highest numbers of civilian casualties."
From the total death-toll anti government elements were responsible for 301 civilian deaths and forty-five civilians deaths were attributed to pro government forces.
These death represent a growing awareness from the Afghan public of their government's policies and actions.
Many Afghan civilians have died during demonstrations and protests against domestic and international affairs with little if any protection from the government.
Georgette demands for the parties involved to the conflict to "increase their efforts to protect civilians.”
