A UN report released today reported that the civilian deaths in Afghanistan has shot up to 40% compared to last year.

The report released by the UN holds responsible the anti-governmnet forces active in the southern and south western parts of the country, for about 55% of the death i.e., 2118 deaths for the year 2008. This report also holds accountable Afghan and foreign forces for at least 39% of the death in the last year’s military operations and incursions.

With the release of this report UN has asked all the warring factions to respect the international laws fully and avoid killing or hurting the innocent civilians. However, NATO has strongly rejected this report saying that due to its operations only 237 civilian deaths occured. Violence in afganistan has seen an abrupt rise in the deaths of civilians in the last year and this issue has been a source of concern for both Afghan government and International community.

In addition to these deaths, a major chunk of the civilian population have been the victims of roadside mines, suicide attacks and armed attacks by the anti government forces. The UN report also indicates a number of schools, particularly girls schools have been the prime targets of the attacks by the rebels.This act has left thousands of students deprived of their education.