About 10,000 civilians have fled the conflict zone, but thousands more are caught up in the fighting. The operation, which targets Marjah and Nad Ali districts of Helmand, has resulted in thousands of residents fleeing the conflict zone for Helmand’s main town, Lashkar Gah, as well as to the towns of Kandahar and Herat. thousands of displaced people have not been registered with the authorities, as they have chosen to stay with family and friends, often ignored or out of reach of humanitarian assistance. Thousands come out as well not from combat areas.

Civilian casualties
“Last year the war already claimed more than 2,400 civilian casualties, the highest number since 2001. The fighting in Afghanistan will probably be much harder this year than ever before, and it is therefore an imminent danger that civilians will be severely harmed,” said John Peder Egenæs, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

Operations by NATO forces have already lead to the deaths of at least 15 civilians in and around the Marjah region since the “Operation Moshtarak” (“Joint Command”) offensive began on February 13th. Twelve people, including six children, died after two US missiles struck a house on the outskirts of Marja district on Sunday. NATO has claimed that the attack was caused by a faulty missile system.

The US and NATO have made commitments to minimise civilian casualties. According to Amnesty International, international and Afghan forces still lack a consistent, clear and credible mechanism to investigate civilian casualties. This is now particularly urgent with more than 30,000 extra foreign troops deployed in Afghanistan and apparently committed to a more aggressive military strategy.

Taleban’s role
The Taleban and other anti-government groups were responsible for some two-thirds of all civilian casualties and injuries last year, according to UN estimates. Displaced residents have reported that the Taleban tried to prevent civilians from leaving the conflict area and in some instances have fired from, and sought shelter among the civilian population. “The Taleban have a record of knowingly endangering Afghan civilians in their operations, which can constitute a war crime”, said Egenæs. “Insurgent groups are bound by international law to take every possible precaution to protect the lives of civilians. They should be therefore held to account for their actions.”

Must follow the law
Amnesty International also urged Afghan and international military forces to ensure they comply with their legal obligation to protect civilians from harm. Amnesty International calls upon the Afghan government and all relevant national and international aid agencies to provide immediate assistance for the displaced, including essential food and potable water, basic shelter, appropriate clothing and heating materials as well as essential medical services and sanitation, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.