AI: Afghan civilians must be protected

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The United States must ensure procedures are in place to investigate civilian deaths since more troops are heading to Afghanistan, Amnesty International said.

"Recent efforts by the U.S. and NATO forces to minimize civilian casualties are a step forward but the U.S. government must ensure that any troops who violate Afghan civilians human rights are held to account," said Madhu Malhotra, Asia-Pacific deputy director, in a release. "More U.S. troops must not lead to more harm to Afghan civilians."

Amnesty International recognizes insurgent and extremist groups are responsible for the majority of civilian casualties and injuries, Malhotra said. However, this knowledge didn't diminish the responsibility to offer support to those injured by Afghan and coalition forces and bring personnel suspected of violating international humanitarian and human rights law to justice.

Respect for international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties, is necessary to bringing security to Afghanistan, Amnesty International said. Also, the safety of Afghan civilians must be ensured by military personnel enacting clearer chains of command and rules of engagement that abide by international law.