Letter to NATO Members on civilian

protection in Afghanistan
Brussels, 22 May 2017

RE: Civilian Protection in Afghanistan

Dear NATO Members,

At last year’s NATO Summit in Warsaw, member states endorsed a new policy on the protection
of civilians. This policy came at a crucial time, as civilians are increasingly bearing the brunt of
the armed conflict in Afghanistan, where civilian casualties have steadily risen since 2014.
NATO’s Resolute Support Mission functions to “train, advise, and assist” the Afghan National
Security Forces (ANSF), making NATO uniquely placed to implement the new civilian
protection policy by discouraging unlawful ANSF practices and pressing the government to
institute effective civilian protection measures. In an appendix to this letter we have included
recommendations specific to NATO’s operations in Afghanistan.

Since the withdrawal of most international forces at the end of 2014, fighting between the
Afghan government and insurgents has escalated, straining the capacities of the ANSF, and
taking a higher toll on civilians. In July 2016, Human Rights Watch wrote to all NATO heads of
state to raise our concerns about rising civilian casualties in the Afghan conflict and about
specific abuses by Afghan government forces and government-supported militias. We recognize
that the Afghan government faces a growing threat not only from Taliban insurgents, but also
from groups claiming affiliation with the Islamic State. Under these circumstances the
government should be more concerned than ever about the effect of abuses on the civilian
population, yet serious violations by government forces continue to increase with near complete
impunity.

The United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented a steady rise
in civilian casualties since 2009, with each year reaching a new high for civilian loss of life. In
2016, one-third of civilian casualties were children.

The Taliban and other insurgent groups have been responsible for the vast majority of attacks
that have caused significant civilian casualties in Afghanistan, particularly by carrying out
suicide bombings in urban areas and planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on public
roads. However, as we noted in our letter last year, despite years of support and training by
NATO allies, ANSF personnel are also increasingly responsible for military operations that have
resulted in large numbers of civilian casualties.

At the Warsaw Summit, NATO members pledged to ensure that Afghan security institutions and
forces were “fully capable of providing security for the Afghan people; operate under effective
civilian control; respect human rights; and act in accordance with the Afghan constitution and the
rule of law.” NATO should make good on that pledge by adopting a clear strategy to curb
abusive practices by the ANSF and press the government to institute effective measures to
protect civilians.

Civilian Casualties from Aerial Operations

In 2016, UNAMA documented a 46 percent increase in civilian casualties caused by pro-

government forces over 2015, with a total of 903 deaths and 1,825 injured, most from the use of
explosive weapons (mortars, rockets, etc.) during ground engagements in civilian-populated
areas and from aerial operations. In the first three months of 2017, UNAMA documented 148
civilian casualties from Afghan government air operations alone, a figure more than five times
higher than for the same period in 2016.

NATO’s Resolute Support Civilian Casualty Mitigation Team has provided guidance to the
Afghan government in developing its National Civilian Casualty Mitigation and Prevention
Policy, which reportedly remains under review by Afghan authorities. In its response to
UNAMA’s February 2017 report on civilian casualties, the Resolute Support Mission noted that
insurgents conduct attacks “while in the vicinity of known civilian locations.” The fact that much
of the fighting in Afghanistan since early 2016 is taking place closer to densely populated urban
areas makes it all the more important that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that the force
used is discriminate and proportionate in accordance with international humanitarian law, and
that the risks of targeting in such areas are adequately assessed. In this regard, we are
particularly concerned that Afghan civilian casualty tracking and mitigation measures are
significantly lacking, and that the training of Afghan tactical air coordinators (ATACs) lags far
behind what is needed as aerial operations increase. The National Civilian Casualty Mitigation
and Prevention Policy has been two years in the making, but has yet to be adopted. The
government should adopt a comprehensive policy without further delay and implement an
effective action plan that includes the establishment of an entity within the government to track
and investigate all reports of civilian casualties.

Attacks on Schools and Military Use of Schools

One key area in which NATO can make a significant difference is with respect to ANSF’s use of
schools for military purposes, and abuses against students and education personnel. As security
throughout Afghanistan has deteriorated, schools throughout the country have come under threat,
not only from the Taliban but also from Afghan security forces. In its final 2016 report, UNAMA
documented the ANSF’s military use of 26 schools (the Taliban or other insurgents made
military use of 9 schools). The most affected provinces were Helmand, Kunduz, Logar, Maidan
Wardak, Takhar, Farah, Badakshan, Ghor, Jawzjan and Paktya. Human Rights Watch’s own
research suggests that the actual numbers may be much higher. In April 2016, we conducted
research in Baghlan province, which had seen intense fighting that year, and in that province
alone we documented 11 schools occupied or being used for military purposes by units
belonging to the Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan National Police (ANP), and Afghan
Local Police (ALP).
As you may know, Afghanistan is a signatory to the international Safe Schools Declaration, as
are many NATO members; the declaration provides guidance on how to better protect
schools from attacks and military use. Even so, Afghan security forces have used schools—many
of them constructed by foreign donors and often the only concrete-reinforced, multi-story
buildings in smaller villages—as their military bases during offensives into Taliban-held areas,
with the result that the schools often become battlegrounds between ANSF and Taliban forces.

The failure to protect schools, together with deteriorating security across the country, means that
Afghanistan’s fragile gains in education are at serious risk. Schools are closing at an alarming
rate as the fighting has escalated and spread to previously secure areas. In January 2017, the
acting education minister told parliament that 1,000 schools were closed due to insecurity, out of
a total of 16,000. Escalating insecurity encourages families to keep their children at home—and
families usually have less tolerance for sending girls to school in insecure conditions than boys.
In addition, the lack of rule of law stemming from the conflict means that girls on the way to
school are at risk of kidnapping and sexual harassment – all of which makes it more likely their
families will keep them at home.

The ANSF have also been responsible for other abuses against students and education personnel.
In 2016, UNAMA documented 94 conflict-related incidents targeting or affecting education;
ANSF and pro-government armed groups were responsible for 20 of them. And despite
Afghanistan’s new law criminalizing the recruitment of children into the armed forces, such
abuse continues.

Attacks on Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities have also been at risk of attack by both insurgent forces and the ANSF.
While the Taliban and other insurgents, including those affiliated with ISIS, have attacked
healthcare facilities—most notably in the March 2017 attack on the Army Hospital in Kabul that
killed at least 50 and injured more than 100—ANSF have also been responsible for such attacks.
In 2016 UNAMA documented 13 incidents of military use or occupation of healthcare facilities
by the ANSF. In one case that we brought to your attention last year, Afghan security forces
raided a clinic run by the nongovernmental Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) in Day
Mirdad district, Wardak province. During the raid, the Afghan Special Forces assaulted medical
staff, removed two patients, one of whom was under 18, and a 15-year-old caregiver from the
facility, and summarily executed them outside the clinic. Following the incident, Afghan
provincial authorities in Wardak province gave statements justifying the raid on the grounds that
those killed (including the two children) were Taliban, and that the raid was carried out because
Taliban were being treated at the clinic.

As you are aware, wounded Taliban fighters who are hors de combat are entitled to treatment,
and facilities that provide such treatment remain civilian objects that may not be targeted.
International humanitarian Law provides special protection to medical facilities, staff and
patients during armed conflict. In no case can security forces summarily kill persons in their
custody. We understand that the Afghan Ministry of Interior conducted an inquiry into the
incident, though the results have not been made public. We again urge you to call for a
comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigation outside the military chain of command,
and to urge that those identified as responsible for killings and other serious abuses be held
accountable. The investigation should also examine the role played by international forces who
accompanied the Afghan Special Forces, and whether they attempted to intervene or prevent the
killings and assaults on medical staff.

Impunity

Impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law is a key factor in their
recurrence. The United Nations Committee against Torture, which in April 2017 held a public
hearing on Afghanistan’s submission—the first report any Afghan government has submitted in
nearly 25 years—voiced its strongest concern about the problem of continued impunity for
serious abuses in Afghanistan.

Despite reforms initiated by the National Unity Government, including the criminalization of the
recruitment of child soldiers, abuses by Afghan security forces continue because perpetrators are
not held to account. Impunity has long been identified by the Afghan government, donor
countries, and intergovernmental organizations as an impediment to the country’s development
and the protection of civilians. NATO and leaders of NATO member states should act in unison
to press the Afghan government to ensure justice for grave crimes. The absence of justice will
foster continuing distrust in government authorities, revenge crimes, and support for insurgents.

NATO is uniquely placed to advance protection of civilians due to its high-level engagement
both with those in a position to stop and remedy violations and with those senior authorities
responsible for abuses. NATO should strengthen its expertise and capacities by appointing a
high-level envoy on Protection of Civilians at Headquarters to ensure successful implementation
of its protection of civilians strategy and coordinate with other international and national
agencies, experts and civil society groups. The high-level envoy would help ensure informed and
timely discussion within NATO, and provide expert analysis, advice, and recommendations to
advance implementation of specific measures aimed at curbing serious abuses. The appointment
of the special representative for women, peace and security provides an important model, but
without a similar high-level mechanism on the protection of civilians, NATO pledge may mean
very little.

We look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with you about these issues.

Sincerely,

Lotte Leicht Brad Adams

EU Director Asia Director
Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch

Appendix
Recommendations to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission regarding Civilian Protection in
Afghanistan

 Urge the government of Afghanistan to finalize and adopt its National Policy on Civilian
Casualty Prevention and Mitigation, and support it in implementing concrete actions to
minimize civilian casualties in the conduct of hostilities.
 Continue to provide training, resources and related support to Afghan national security
forces beyond 2017, in relation to the use of indirect fire weapons and airstrikes, so as to
ensure compliance with obligations under international humanitarian law.
 Conduct transparent post-operation reviews and investigations following reported civilian
casualties in operations involving international military forces, including security and
intelligence forces, with particular regard to aerial operations – including those deploying
unmanned aerial vehicles − and search operations, with a view to improving operational
practice and accountability, as well as to ensuring operations are carried out in line with
obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and
providing appropriate compensation or ex-gratia payments for victims and survivors.
 Urge the government of Afghanistan to:
o Take immediate steps to curtail the military use of schools in line with the Safe
Schools Declaration and the related Guidelines on Protecting Schools and
Universities from Military Use During Armed Conflict, including by
incorporating the guidelines into military orders, doctrine, trainings, and other
means of dissemination to ensure appropriate practice throughout the chain of
command;
o Establish an effective permanent mechanism to monitor and respond to school
occupations and raids on healthcare facilities, including through receiving public
complaints;
o Disband all irregular armed groups and militias, or bring them into the command
structure of regular armed forces; and
o Investigate all allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian and
human rights law by Afghan national security forces and pro-government armed
groups, and appropriately prosecute and punish those found responsible.
 Secure commitments from the Afghan authorities that schools supported by donor funds
will not be used by Afghan security forces for military purposes, and establish a system
to monitor these commitments, including through regular check-ins with the school
officials at individual schools. Immediately report any such military use or attacks to the
relevant authorities, and monitor their response and actions taken.
 Cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s preliminary examination into alleged
war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan since May 2003.
MEMORANDUM THRU Commander, 2d Infantry Division, Camp Casey, APO, AP 96224

FOR Commander, Eighth US Army, Yongsan Garrison, APO AP 96205

SUBJECT: Letter of Recommendation for Officer Candidate School (PYLE, DERRICK S.

XXX-XX-1234; B Troop, 4th Squadron 7th Cavalry Regiment)

1. I wholeheartedly recommend SSG Derrick Pyle for acceptance to the Officer Candidate
School (OCS) program. SSG Pyle is an exceptional leader and displays all of the attributes
needed to perform the duties of an Officer in the United States Army. His attention to detail and
desire to serve are evident in his character and dedication to his Soldiers.

2. From my knowledge of SSG Pyle’s job performance over the last two years, especially when I
served as Commander, United States Army Garrison (USAG) - Casey, he is among the top five
percent of Non-Commissioned Officers I’ve seen over my career.

3. SSG Pyle consistently displays the unique ability to accomplish missions within a resource
constrained environment. SSG Pyle now serves as the Senior Fire Support NCO in the Squadron
and consistently trains fellow fire support NCOs and Officers at the Squadron and Troop level.
This is just one example of SSG Pyle’s superior leadership ability and potential.

4. SSG Pyle is also in charge of all Fires in support of Blackfoot Troop, 4/7 CAV, 1HBCT and
has conducted 14 Live fire exercises, always exceeding the standard. This remarkable Non-
Commissioned Officer, whose potential is unlimited, would make an excellent addition to the
Officer Corps and the Army would definitely benefit from his leadership ability.

5. I strongly recommend this outstanding NCO without hesitation for selection to Officer
Candidate School. Again, if SSG Pyle is selected for this honor, I am confident that all Soldiers,
Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers he comes in contact will benefit from his values, work
ethic and professionalism.
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Command Recommendation for SPC (P) Barnes

1. SPC. Barnes is among the most selfless, hard working and performance oriented SPC (P) I
have had the honor to work with. She displays a professional demeanor and is enthusiastic about
being a member of the O9Ls Company and supporting CJTF-OIR.

2. As an Active Duty Soldier assigned to O9Ls Company, SPC Barnes has been an essential
member of the team offering invaluable expertise and insight. While successfully performing as
the translator for CJTF-OIR's missions, she has provided noteworthy contributions to her team.
She also offers a vast knowledge in the translation arena. SPC Barnes demonstrated her
exceptional work ethic in her professional career by outperforming her peers at the PLDC; she
has also displayed that same dedication in her personal life by obtaining her high level of
education.

3. SPC Barnes is an exemplary Specialist that goes out of her way to help, mentor and ensure the
welfare of the Soldiers within her unit. Her upbeat personality and willingness to help leaves an
unforgettable impression. Her intellect, versatility and experience will ensure success in future
positions such as NCO. SPC Barnes has unlimited potential to further contribute to the CJTF-
OIR, CJ2 on language and translation; the organization will lose an asset if she is not retained.

4. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to submit this letter on behalf of a truly professional
future noncommissioned officer. If there are any questions in regards to this, please contact the
undersigned at amr.a.abdelazeem.mil@mail.mil.
MEMO FOR United States Air Force Academy Admissions Office

FROM: 6th CS/SCM

SUBJECT: Letter of recommendation for SSgt Anthony Sims

To whom it may concern,

Staff Sergeant Anthony Sims has my highest recommendation for acceptance into the United
States Air Force Academy. As a Master Sergeant with over 22 years in the United States Air
Force and a vested interest in the future of our military, it is with the utmost care and sincerity
that I recommend prospective leaders. Sergeant Sims' character and personnel records exceed my
standard for the level of performance and behavior that I expect from our best young Airmen.

As Sergeant Sims' immediate supervisor, I have spent a great deal of time with him and can
honestly say that he is positive, earnest, and professional at all times. He is an upright Non-
commissioned Officer of high character, as evidenced by his total devotion to duty and his
efforts to further his education. Not satisfied with merely doing his job, on his own initiative, he
has continued to advance his education. He continuously seeks self improvement and accepts
greater responsibility with humility. Sergeant Sims is the type of Airman that needs little or no
supervision to get the job done. He is the epitome of the Air Force NCO and possesses enormous
potential to be a great leader as an Air Force Officer. He maintains a rigorous physical training
program that keeps him in top condition. His personnel record confirms what I have observed
and you will see that this young man has continuously demonstrated that he has what it takes to
be a sterling addition to the United States Air Force Officer Corps.

Sergeant Sims is not only a disciplined professional. He is a team player and gets along well with
his team mates. His cheerfulness and consideration for others have made him an indispensable
part of our unit. His fellow Airmen are drawn to him by his personality and sincere concern for
others. I hope you will give this young man the opportunity to continue to excel both at the
United States Air Force Academy and as a future Air Force Officer.

Sincerely,
REVIEW MY CV: I’m a former army officer
looking for a COO position
by Anonymous 1 March 2011

I’m a Sandhurst trained risk professional looking to broaden my experience, and am interested in
both COO and operational risk roles within the financial sector. I’d appreciate it if you can
advise me how to improve my CV to increase its effectiveness. Thank you!

A problem solver, with wide experience of risk, systems analysis and design, project
management, change and leadership. Personally motivated by challenge and the requirement to
conceptualise and implement practical solutions. An energetic, motivated and charismatic
individual – an experienced leader most comfortable at the centre of projects. A strong believer
in the importance of internal and external relationships, comfortable under extreme pressure.

SKILLS

Leadership – Sandhurst trained leader and manager in varied roles responsible for up 1000 staff

Systems analysis, design and implementation – development of management and control

processes and systems from the ground up. A strong analytical nature with a methodical and
rigorous approach. Ability to see the key factors in a project from its conception.

Financial and statistical modelling – practical expertise, including the use of advanced spread
sheet and database skills

Communication – worked in complex and dynamic environments where communication and

relationships are the key to getting the best from people and keeping projects on track. Written
and oral presentational skills are highly developed with the ability to think on the spot and under
pressure

Networking – extremely enthusiastic, professional, with a personable and easy going nature – a
natural networker

Reporting – proven ability to produce relevant and well-structured reports in short timeframes.
Experience of this to the most senior international political and military levels
Information capacity – the ability to process large amounts of data, with a deep understanding
of data ‘typing’ and other quality control methods. Technical information systems background

Work within a regulatory context – worked within rigorously enforced legal and
organisational frameworks

Teamwork – a strong team-player with the ability to work with colleagues at all levels

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Operational Risk ( Global Investment Bank – London based ( VP / Director level)). 2010 –
Current.

· Risk monitoring / reporting / project management

· OR framework development and implementation

· Event review – ‘Lessons learnt’

Strategy Management Consultant Emerging Markets Business Planning and

Organisational Structure / Sales Models for Technology Company. 2009 – 2010

· Project management and delivery to Client’s Board

· Market / Environmental Analysis & Financial Modelling

British Army – Sep 1999 To Mar 2010

Consultant Training Advisor (Middle East) .

Responsible for creating and implementing training systems.

· Improvement of current training systems to improve the quality and competencies of young
officers

· Advice, reporting, monitoring and liaison

Divisional Operations Officer / Plans / Assistant to the Divisional Chief of Staff. Operations and
Plans within a Headquarters commanding 6500 personnel

· Plans and Project Management:

integration of IT systems and procedures to enhance cooperation between US and UK
future UK strategy planning

headquarters restructuring and rationalisation

design and implementation of control systems and measures of effectiveness

· Liaison with and reporting to US and UK higher level military and political bodies including
the FCO, DFiD and US Corps Headquarters.

Promoted to the Rank of Major at first opportunity 2007

Training Major. Managed the organisational change from a number of separate and fiercely-
guarded identities into 1 cohesive 500 man organisation

· Development and implementation of Management systems.

Mobilisation of 100 TA soldiers for operations in Afghanistan as a formed unit – the first time
the UK has done this

· Responsibility for organisational strategy, leadership and all aspects of HR

· Planning and monitoring of execution for all the organisation’s activities

Adjutant of the Army Training Regiment

· HR management including recruitment, posting, pay, HR information systems and welfare

· Day to day management inc. reporting – production of responses to Parliamentary Questions

Signals / Operations Officer

Responsible for all aspects of technical communications and operational planning for the 600
man organisation

Operational strategy, plans and execution:

· Trials and development of new combat communications and IT equipment – solely responsible
for its implementation in conjunction with General Dynamics, BAE systems and Westland

· Design of procedures and systems for use for all network and communication systems 02-04

Platoon Commander 00-02

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

DV security clearance

Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst 1999-00

Cranfield University 1995-98. BEng Honours (2:1) in Command, Control and Information
Systems Engineering. Including award of the Seimens Nixdorf prize for the best 3rd year project
and dissertation.

Bristol Grammar School / Clifton 1984 – 95. A levels in Latin, Music, and Computer Studies.

OTHER INTERESTS

An outdoor person, enjoying travel, sailing, exploring and triathlon. I enjoy literature and
keeping abreast of current affairs with a passion for music and art. I play the violin, piano and
guitar.

Languages: English, Arabic, French