(OSRSG-CAAC) – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, today expressed serious concern over grave violations against children during ongoing hostilities in Kunduz, in north-eastern Afghanistan. Since the launch of the Taliban offensive on Kunduz on 28 September 2015, at least 10 children have been killed and 53 injured.* “Children are paying an unacceptable price in the escalating conflict in Afghanistan,” stated the Special Representative, noting that the number of child casualties in the first half of 2015 was the highest recorded since the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism was established in 2009. The Special Representative reiterated that all parties to conflict must abide by their international legal obligations to distinguish between civilian and military objects, and take precautions to avoid and minimize civilian casualties.
