Watchlist

Reports of recruitment of children by armed groups have been received especially from the southern, south-eastern, and eastern provinces of Afghanistan. Populations at a supposed higher risk for recruitment include internally displaced persons and child returnees in camps around the Helmand and Kandahar provinces. Children have been reportedly used by the Afghan police in patrols and checkpoints, as well as by the Taliban for suicide bombing missions. Due to their alleged associations with non-state armed groups, many children have been subsequently detained or unlawfully held in detention centers by authorities in Afghanistan. Civilian casualties are also high, with children often bearing the brunt of the ongoing violence from all parties engaged in combat in Afghanistan, in particular air strikes, suicide attacks and unexploded ordinances and landmines. Attacks on schools and hospitals have been escalating over previous years, causing not only physical harm to children, but also impeding their right to receive adequate education and health care. Schools, in particular, are perceived to represent the central Government and foreign assistance, as well as being a community hub for political associations. For this reason, armed groups have used increasing violence against schools, teachers and students to deter children -especially girls - from attending. Armed forces and groups are reportedly sexually abusing and exploiting children, especially boys. While several cases of rape and sexual abuse have lead to prosecution of perpetrators, most victims and local child protection agencies are reluctant to report offenses out of fear of violent retaliation against victims or their families. Increases in violence and activities of anti-government elements have restricted humanitarian access in conflict affected areas. UN and NGO insecurity has left 79 districts in “extreme risk” and inaccessible to assistance delivery which has had a dramatic impact on the lives of many Afghans, but especially children.