17 PERCENT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF CHILDREN KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

Friday, 28 April 2017 - 12:25pm

Children are increasingly becoming victims of conflict in Afghanistan, according to new figures released by the United Nations, which documented more than 200 child deaths and 500 child injuries from fighting during the first three months of this year.

 

Save the Children expressed its deep concern at the findings and called for greater accountability by armed groups operating in Afghanistan.

“It’s shocking to see such an enormous increase in child casualties in Afghanistan, especially the number of children being killed. These figures effectively mean that every three hours an Afghan child is killed or injured as a result of armed conflict,” Save the Children Interim Country Director Paul Barker said.

“Children are the innocent victims of war, and yet now we are seeing them suffering in growing numbers. This isn’t good enough, and all parties to the conflict must do absolutely everything in their power to ensure that children do not continue falling victim during times of conflict. Children should be in school learning with their friends and classmates, not running for their lives.”

The report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan documented 2,181 civilian casualties (715 dead, 1,466 injured) in the first quarter of 2017, including 735 children (210 dead, 525 injured). Child deaths increased by 17 per cent compared to the same period last year.

For media inquiries and interviews contact Mariam Atahi in Kabul on +93 729 904 461 or Evan Schuurman in Bangkok on +66 989 725 908.