Kabul, March 4: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has reiterated concerns regarding the escalating clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. These confrontations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. Bennett supported the worries expressed by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
He urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint and fully adhere to international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). He emphasized that dialogue is the only sustainable solution.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Bennett stated, “I share UNAMA’s deep concern over the rising hostilities at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which have led to heavy civilian casualties and displacement. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and respect IHRL and IHL. Dialogue is the only permanent path forward.”
Meanwhile, UNAMA reiterated its call for an immediate halt to cross-border clashes. The mission documented at least 146 civilian casualties in Afghanistan between February 26 and March 2, including 42 deaths and 104 injuries, with women and children among the affected.
UNAMA reported that these civilian casualties resulted from indirect shelling during border clashes, which damaged residential areas in Paktia, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Khost provinces. Additionally, airstrikes in Paktika and Nangarhar provinces also contributed to the casualties.
Citing preliminary data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNAMA estimated that approximately 16,400 families have been displaced in Paktia, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Khost provinces due to the clashes.
The mission also noted that hundreds of families displaced by the earthquake in Kunar in August 2025 are still advised to leave the area for safety and not return to their original locations or stay with relatives.
UNAMA stated, “The ongoing conflict has severely hampered the ability of humanitarian agencies and partners to deliver life-saving assistance in the most affected areas, particularly impacting Afghan returnees from Pakistan.”
It added that the World Food Programme has suspended its activities in the affected areas, leaving approximately 160,000 people without food distribution. Many Afghan provinces affected by the fighting are facing severe malnutrition.
UNAMA concluded that these hostilities have further exacerbated Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian situation. The mission urged all parties to fulfill their responsibilities under international law, especially international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians.
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