阿富汗平民伤亡人数呈下降趋势
The number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan has fallen for the first time in six years, a UN report says.
一份联合国报告称，阿富汗平民伤亡人数近六年以来首次下降。
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) documented 2,754 civilian deaths in 2012, a 12% drop, and 4,805 injuries, a slight rise.
The reduction was attributed to less fighting on the ground, and a decline in suicide attacks and air operations.
But the report also expressed concern about the re-emergence of armed groups, particularly in Afghanistan's north.
Civilians also faced an increase in threats, intimidation and interference with their rights to education, health, justice and freedom of movement from militants, it added.
'Redoubled efforts'
Jan Kubis, the UN special representative in Afghanistan, said the decrease in civilian casualties in 2012 was "very much welcome" but that the "human cost of the conflict remains unacceptable".
"Indiscriminate and unlawful use of improvised explosive devices by anti-government elements remains the single biggest killer of civilians.
"Steep increases in the deliberate targeting of civilians perceived to be supporting the government demonstrates another grave violation of international humanitarian law."
Particularly appalling, Mr Kubis added, was the use of suicide attacks - including those carried out by "brainwashed" children - to murder civilians.
In total, 81% of civilian casualties in 2012 were attributed to militants, while 8% resulted from operations by pro-government forces.
It also noted that women and girls "continued to suffer enormously from the effects of armed conflict", with 301 killed and 563 injured - an increase of 20%.
"It is the tragic reality that most Afghan women and girls were killed or injured while engaging in their everyday activities," said Georgette Gagnon, Unama's director of human rights.
The report said improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by insurgents were the greatest threat to civilians, causing 868 deaths and 1,663 injuries. Targeted killings by militants also increased by 108%, with 698 people killed and 379 hurt.
"Unama notes numerous Taliban statements in 2012 to protect civilians. Yet, the situation on the ground has not improved. The Taliban increased their direct attacks on civilians through targeted killings and continued to indiscriminately use IEDs," the agency said.