A/HRC/16/67 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 19 January 2011 Original: English Human Rights Council Sixteenth session Agenda items 2 and 10 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General Technical assistance and capacity-building Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and on the achievements of technical assistance in the field of human rights* Summary The present report, submitted pursuant to the Human Rights Council decision 2/113 of 27 November 2006, describes ongoing human rights concerns in Afghanistan and outlines recommendations to address them, as well as actions the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is taking to support and strengthen institutional capacity in the country through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Throughout 2010, efforts to promote and protect human rights and build rule of law in the country were seriously challenged. The armed conflict intensified throughout Afghanistan with a corresponding rise in civilian casualties. Targeted assassinations, executions, abductions and intimidation of thousands of civilians by anti-Government elements throughout the country undermined international and Government efforts to provide protection and security in conflict-affected areas. The proportion of civilian casualties inflicted by pro-Government forces continued to decline during the year, however air strikes and night searches continue to place civilians at risk. Civilians also suffered from injury, loss of livelihood, displacement, destruction of property and disruption of access to education, health care and other essential services. Despite some gains in the spheres of health, education and employment opportunities, women continue to confront discriminatory laws and policies, attitudes and practices that violate their basic human rights. Harmful traditional practices against women and girls are widespread, occurring in varying degrees in all communities, urban and rural, and among all ethnic * GE.11-10331 Late submission.