Last Updated: Friday, 26 May 2023, 13:32 GMT

Afghanistan: All sides must protect civilians as fighting rages in Kunduz

Publisher Amnesty International
Publication Date 28 September 2015
Cite as Amnesty International, Afghanistan: All sides must protect civilians as fighting rages in Kunduz, 28 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/560d038a4.html [accessed 28 May 2023]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Taliban and Afghan security forces must ensure that civilians are protected in accordance with international law and that nobody is targeted in reprisals against their work, Amnesty International said as fighting intensifies in the northern Kunduz province.

Heavy fighting is ongoing in Kunduz after the Taliban launched a major assault on the provincial capital this morning. There are unconfirmed reports of civilian casualties and the Taliban taking over official buildings, including a public hospital.

"The Taliban have many times in the past showed their callous disregard for human life and civilians often suffer the brunt of their attacks. As fighting rages in Kunduz, all sides must ensure that civilians and civilian objects are protected according to international humanitarian law, which governs all parties to an armed conflict," said Horia Mosadiq, Amnesty International's Afghanistan Researcher.

"Deliberately targeting civilians not directly participating in hostilities, as well as indiscriminate attacks or disproportionate attacks, would amount to war crimes."

"The Taliban must not target any civilian simply for their work – whether they are a journalist, teacher, government official or rights activist – and must ensure that there are no reprisal attacks against them."

"Reports that the Taliban have already sent armed fighters into a public provincial hospital are extremely worrying. Hospitals are places of sanctuary under international law and their staff must be allowed to do their vital life-saving work without the threat of violence or undue interference."

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