The UN has reported civilian deaths from airstrikes in Afghanistan, called for investigations, and emphasized the need for protection under international law. A plane crash in Kazakhstan resulted in 38 fatalities, prompting condolences from the UN. Refugees are beginning to return to Syria as conditions somewhat improve, though challenges remain significant, particularly in terms of food shortages.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported on Thursday that credible evidence indicates that airstrikes by Pakistani military forces resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, including women and children, in Paktika province on December 24. UNAMA has called for an investigation to ensure accountability, to prevent future incidents, and to uphold the rights of the victims. They emphasized that international law mandates military forces to take precautions that minimize civilian harm, distinguishing clearly between civilians and combatants during operations.
UNICEF has also voiced serious concerns regarding the incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 20 children. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director for South Asia at UNICEF, stated, “Our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Children are not and must never be a target.”
In Kazakhstan, a tragic air crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Baku to Grozny has resulted in the deaths of 38 individuals. The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed condolences for the lives lost, which included nationals from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia. The International Civil Aviation Organization and UNICEF also extended their sympathies concerning the fatalities.
In Syria, significant developments have emerged as Hayat-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) appointed Anas Khattab as the new head of intelligence, despite his being subject to UN sanctions linked to Al Qaida affiliations. The longstanding civil conflict in Syria has driven millions to flee their homes; however, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, there has been a notable increase in the return of refugees, according to Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that while certain regions continue to face food shortages, bread production and distribution levels have largely returned to normal. Furthermore, the World Food Programme announced improved access routes to previously inaccessible areas, which will play a crucial role in alleviating the humanitarian crisis faced by millions of Syrians.
This brief report highlights critical humanitarian issues: the civilian casualties in Afghanistan due to military actions, the tragic air crash in Kazakhstan, and the ongoing situation of Syrian refugees which sees some returning home amidst continued challenges. International organizations like the UN and UNICEF are actively addressing these crises, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians and providing humanitarian support.
Original Source: news.un.org
