ISAF Headquarters Public Affairs Office Story By: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
KABUL, Afghanistan (July 2, 2011) – In an ongoing effort to reduce civilian casualties, a conference was held here June 28, between the senior leadership of Afghanistan, United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan, nongovernmental organizations and the International Security Assistance Force to promote open dialogue on the important topic.
“Today’s conference will play an important role by providing an opportunity for a candid exchange of views and ideas as we work through the tragic consequences of armed conflict,” said U.S. Army General David Petraeus, commander of ISAF and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, during his opening statement at the conference held at Headquarters ISAF. “ISAF has sought to take every action possible to minimize the loss of innocent life. Yet we must always strive to do more. We must explore every possibility to protect innocent life and employ every good idea to provide safety and security for the Afghan people.”
ISAF hosted the conference to hear Afghans’ views on civilian causalities and to share ISAF initiatives with attendees. Afghan leaders who participated in the conference included members of The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, parliament, UNAMA, Kabul University intellectuals and many agencies that have an interest in protecting Afghan civilians – a goal shared by ISAF.
“Civilian casualties aren’t simply a military issue; it is also an Afghan issue,” said British Army Colonel Paul Harkness, ISAF Chief of Operations and organizer of the conference. “We need to consciously see the issue through Afghan eyes. We need ensure our dialogue is continuous. We know a great deal about the issue, but we can always learn more.”
Developing a greater level of trust and assuring Afghans that ISAF genuinely cares about their losses were other goals of the conference.
ISAF strives to be open and transparent to the Afghan government and people. This conference made it possible for everyone to speak freely and frankly about what issues surround civilian casualties, expressed Col. Harkness.
Cololnel Harkness added that specific examples of civilian casualties were discussed, making conversations very personal and providing perspective that could only come from those who are personally affected by these tragedies.
“Losing a loved one is devastating to family and friends; and losing innocent civilians is a tragedy for all those working so hard to protect those civilians and to help bring peace and stability to this great nation,” said Gen. Petraeus.
In a war that is fought among civilians, loss of innocent life is unavoidable, but that does not stop ISAF from assessing every civilian casualty report and reviewing policies and procedures to reduce the casualties of war.
“Despite the extensive measures we have taken to avoid civilian casualties, they do happen as a tragic consequence of our efforts to secure Afghanistan,” said Gen. Petraeus. “This is a difficult truth to acknowledge; but it is a reality that must push us to do more and to do better.”
Comparing 2009 and 2010 data, even as ANSF and ISAF force levels increased considerably and corresponding levels of violence increased, ISAF reduced its civilian casualty rate by 20 percent.
This conference is one of many initiatives to further reduce civilian casualties and enhance the trust between Afghans, ISAF and the international community. Its next step will be determining what issues can be addressed and how they will be approached through working groups that will meet over the next several months, said Col. Harkness.
The first working group will meet in late July.