In 2018, Afghanistan was the most violent war zone in the world. 2019 isn’t looking any better, with UNICEF issuing a new report on child casualties in violence in the first nine months of 2019.
Casualties are up 11 percent over 2018 levels, with 631 children killed and 1,830 wounded in the conflict in the first nine months. The increase came because of more bombings and ground engagements.
It’s not just the direct casualties, either, with UNICEF’s report also noting that millions of Afghan children are dependent on humanitarian aid, millions are unable to go to school, and are trying to enter the labor market despite not having any skills.
That’s the disastrous consequence of decades of war, and 18+ years of US occupation built around reconstruction plans that didn’t go anywhere has meant the situation is getting worse and worse.
UNICEF called on all combatants to fulfill international law and protect children, or at least to stop targeting schools and allow them access to humanitarian aid. History is not on the side of this warning leading to positive policy changes.
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