Civilian casualties in Afghanistan fall
The number of civilian casualties in Afghanistan has fallen for the first time in six years, a UN report says.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (Unama) documented 2,754 civilian deaths in 2012, a 12% drop, and 4,805 injuries, a slight rise.
The reduction was attributed to less fighting on the ground, and a decline in suicide attacks and air operations.
But the report also expressed concern about the re-emergence of armed groups, particularly in Afghanistan's north.
Civilians also faced an increase in threats, intimidation and interference with their rights to education, health, justice and freedom of movement from militants, it added.
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The BBC's Karen Allen in Kabul says that will come as welcome news for foreign forces, which have faced government pressure in the past week to limit air strikes during anti-Taliban operations civilians areas.
"While fewer Afghan civilians were killed in the armed conflict in 2012, conflict-related violence continued to seriously threaten the lives and well-being of thousands of Afghan children, women and men," said Ms Gagnon. "This situation demands even greater commitment and redoubled efforts to protect Afghan civilians in 2013 and beyond."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21502064#TWEET611420