At least 600 civilians were killed and 1,343 others wounded in Afghanistan in the first quarter of 2016, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said.

The deaths represent a 13 percent decrease and injuries an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Calling on all parties to the conflict to take precautions to protect civilians during the operations, the UN mission, said release of the first quarter civilian casualty data for 2016 showed continued record numbers of civilian casualties, Khaama Press reported.

“Even if a conflict intensifies, it does not have to be matched by corresponding civilian suffering provided parties take their international humanitarian law and human rights obligations seriously,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special.

Source : MENA