A/HRC/40/45 (q) Improve the ability of the judiciary to guarantee fair trials, including for juveniles detained on allegations of national security-related allegations, and due process in all criminal proceedings, pursuant to article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 83. Anti-government elements should: (a) Cease the deliberate targeting of civilians (including government officials, journalists, tribal elders, religious leaders, human rights defenders, judges and prosecutors) and civilian locations and of places of worship and culture, in recognition of their protected status guaranteed under international humanitarian law; (b) Cease indiscriminate attacks against members of religious minorities and their justification using a language of hatred; (c) Respect the right to political participation and cease attacks directed at election-related facilities and personnel, and pay special attention to ensure that schools, health facilities and mosques used in the election process remain protected from attacks; (d) Take measures to implement directives prohibiting the recruitment and use of children and ensure accountability for those commanders who recruit and use children for military purposes; (e) Issue statements recognizing the important role of civil society actors, notably human rights defenders and journalists, including women and girls, and their right to freedom of expression and critical opinion and denouncing attacks against the media and civil society, acknowledging and respecting their civilian status; (f) Cease the use of improvised explosive devices in all areas frequented by civilians and the use of illegal pressure-plate improvised explosive devices and the firing of explosive weapons, particularly indirect fire systems, from and into civilianpopulated areas and respect at all times the civilian status of humanitarian deminers; (g) Uphold statements by national leaders regarding the human rights of women and girls in areas under Taliban influence, in particular by ceasing attacks and threats against girls’ education, teachers and the education sector in general. 84. All parties to the conflict should: (a) Take preventive measures to mitigate civilian causalities, including child casualties, in compliance with their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, ensure accountability for the perpetrators and facilitate humanitarian access; (b) Guarantee the protection of civic space and civil society actors, including journalists and human rights defenders and media workers, as civilians under international humanitarian law and respect their right to monitor and report freely on the armed conflict without fear of attack or reprisal for their work. 85. The international community should: (a) Support the Afghan security forces in their efforts to prevent civilian casualties and protect civilians from the harm of conflict-related violence; (b) Support the Government in promoting protection for women and girls through provision of necessary resources for uninterrupted psychosocial and legal aid services to survivors of violence; (c) Encourage the Government to deliver on its pledges and commitments made before it became a member of the Human Rights Council, including with regard to cooperation with the International Criminal Court; (d) Support the Government’s efforts to advance the women, peace and security agenda, including through the implementation of the national plan for the 15

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