United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in 2019 quarterly report it has documented high levels of harm to civilians; while showing a 23 percent decrease in overall civilian casualties compared to the same period last year.
This figure is the lowest for a first quarter since 2013.
The report says the UN documented 1,773 civilian casualties (581 deaths and 1,192 injured), including 582 child casualties (150 deaths and 432 injured) between January 1 to March 31.
In the first quarter of 2018, UNAMA documented 2,305 civilian casualties (799 deaths and 1,506 injured), including 609 child casualties (176 deaths and 433 injured), the report says.
· UN: Afghanistan Civilian Death Increased by 11 Percent in 2018
The overall reduction of civilian casualties was driven by a decrease in civilian casualties by suicide improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, the report says.
UNAMA notes the particularly harsh winter conditions during the first three months of the year, which may have contributed to this trend, the report further says.
However, It is unclear whether the decrease in civilian casualties was influenced by any measures taken by parties to the conflict to better protect civilians, or by the ongoing talks between parties to the conflict, the report mentions.
It comes amid efforts where the Afghan government pushes through the process for a peaceful, better yet, a war-free country.
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