Afghan NGOs condemn civilian casualties
Statement
Date: 13/05/2009
End the killing of civilians
Immediate action is required to by all parties to the conflict to put an end to civilian casualties. Air strikes by International Security Assistance Forces that occurred on May 4th and 5th in Bala Bolok district of Farah province resulted in over 100 civilians, including women and children, destroyed homes and businesses in two villages of the district and created a humanitarian tragedy.
Air strikes resulting in civilian casualties like this those used in Farah not only result in mass killing of innocent civilians but also have a harmful effect on Afghan society as a whole. Incidents like this one create fear among Afghans, erode support for the government of Afghanistan and the presence of the International Security Assistance Forces, have a negative impact on efforts to build peace and improve security and, finally, destroy the basis for well-being and livelihoods in the country.
Killing of innocent civilians and destroying their villages will not only create economic hardship in the country but will also destroy hopes for the rehabilitation and development process in Afghanistan and will further entrench violence in this society.
As Afghan NGOs against civilian casualties, we request that:
1. An independent assessment of the causes and consequences of the recent events in Farah province that resulted in mass killing of innocent civilians be conducted.
2. Civilians who lost their homes and assets due to the air strikes are provided immediate assistance.
3. Considering international conventions and laws, the agents responsible for the killing of innocent civilians are held responsible in a court of law. People who have spied or knowingly provided incorrect information to the military should also undergo a trail.
4. A change to the strategy of war is urgently investigated, especially the air strikes undertaken by International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.
5. Greater attention is given to correctly identifying the operational sites of insurgents as well as to ensure that civilians are not to be used as a security shield for insurgents.
6. While combat operations in civilian areas are sometimes necessary, the civilians should be given time and permission to leave the targeted site.
7. More study of Afghan societal structure and personal, tribal and regional enmities should be undertaken by the International Security Assistance Forces so that they have sound knowledge with which to prevent attacks on and killings of civilians.
8. Root causes of the war and insecurity in the country be studied, identified and addressed.
Sincerely,
Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (CHA)
Saba Media Organization (SMO)
Coordination of Afghan Relief (CoAR)
Afghan Development Association (ADA)
Sanayee Development Organization (SDO)
IBN-e- SINA Organization
Afghan Management and Marketing Consultants (AMMC)
8 Sobh
Organization for Human Resource Development (OHRD)
