A/HRC/28/48 women and the lack of effective interpretation and implementation of laws protecting women and girls from violence, and to allocate adequate resources and support to shelters. The Special Rapporteur will present her final report to the Human Rights Council in June 2015. VIII. Conclusion 55. The human rights situation in Afghanistan has been negatively affected by the contested security, political and economic transitions. Anti-Government elements sought to exploit the uncertainty by increasing their offensives, resulting in more ground engagements and a rising toll in civilian casualties. The uncertainty also affected the economy, threatening sustainable development. At the London Conference on Afghanistan, held on 3 and 4 December 2014, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to the country's future, in line with priorities and previous funding pledges agreed upon at the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan, held in July 2012, and delivered a strong message of political support to President Ghani’s administration and his planned reforms. The formation of the Government of National Unity provides an opportunity to consolidate and expand human rights protections. For this to happen, there must be accountability for those who commit human rights violations. 56. The strong public statements by the new Government that emphasize the importance of human rights, especially women’s rights, as part of an ambitious social reform agenda, are particularly welcome. UNAMA/OHCHR fully supports the Government’s initiatives on combatting sexual harassment, women’s empowerment, addressing concerns over internally displaced people, and focus on the rights of detainees. Also, for the first time in many years, there appears to be a possibility for substantive peace and reconciliation processes and transitional justice. Human rights must not be sacrificed and women must play a full and active role in any negotiations; both are critical if peace is to be sustainable. OHCHR and the wider United Nations system stand ready to play an active and steadfast role in supporting the country to embed human rights for all Afghans at this important time. IX. Recommendations 57. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recommends the following: The Government of Afghanistan should: (a) Take concrete measures to reduce civilian casualties from ground engagements by revising and strengthening tactical directives, rules of engagement and other procedures, ensuring the proper training and resourcing of all Afghan National Security Forces on civilian protection measures, mitigation and accountability, and ceasing to fire mortars, rockets and grenades into civilianpopulated areas; (b) Strengthen structures in the Government that track, mitigate and provide accountability for civilian casualties by pro-Government forces; investigate all allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and human rights abuses by Afghan National Security Forces and Pro-Government militias and allied forces; and prosecute and punish those found responsible as required under Afghan and international law; 16