A/HRC/18/48 V. Developments relating to human rights in South-Central Somalia A. Protection of civilians 28. The protection of civilians remains a major concern in Mogadishu and other areas in the South, where fighting has been intense. In mid-February, AMISOM and the Transitional Federal Government launched a major offensive to expand Government control over Mogadishu, with a second front along the border with Ethiopia and Kenya, causing further displacement. In February alone, the fighting resulted in the displacement of 24,000 people countrywide, 6,000 of whom in Mogadishu districts. 29. In Mogadishu, an increase in fighting results in an increase in civilian casualties, as testified by the surge in under-five casualties in Mogadishu in the period from March to May 2011. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in May 1,590 people with weapon-related injuries were admitted to the three main hospitals in Mogadishu, almost half of whom were children under five. Most suffered from blast-related injuries. Military operations conducted in highly-populated urban areas, failure to distinguish between civilians and combatants, deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, including the use of improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks by Al-Shabaab, account for a significant number of civilian deaths and injuries. The independent expert is extremely concerned at the impact of a military offensive in Mogadishu at this time of crisis and displacement. 30. AMISOM has taken some preventive measures to limit civilian casualties, such as a policy of no-indirect fire and the identification of no-fire zones, although specialized equipment and other measures are still needed. Some AMISOM personnel received training on international humanitarian law and protection of civilians in December, and further training is envisaged. AMISOM also carried out investigations into two separate incidents where its troops apparently carelessly opened fire against passers-by. As a result, three soldiers are serving prison sentences in Uganda. The independent expert encourages the African Union and the United Nations to strengthen their cooperation on issues of protection of civilians and recommends that the effectiveness of the African Union/United Nations working group to serve as a mechanism for coordination in this key area be reinforced. 31. Poor command and control over Transitional Federal Government forces and the loose integration of soldiers with militia and clan-based affiliation have led to a series of incidents resulting in violence not directly resulting from the conflict. On 30 January, for example, clashes between Transitional Federal Government police and a Transitional Federal Government special security unit near Banadir Hospital killed at least 16 people and injured 56 others. The Government publicly regretted the incident and arrested five individuals. Four persons were reportedly killed on 19 July in a shootout in Villa Somalia between guards of the President and of the Speaker. Reports of Government forces harassing and using violence against civilians have also been made. On 19 July, a student was shot dead by Government soldiers in Wabeeri district after he resisted the stealing of his computer. Al-Shabaab, on the other hand, continues to perpetrate serious violations of humanitarian and human rights law, including summary executions of civilians associated with the Government, unlawful arrest and detention and acts amounting to torture and other inhumane, cruel and degrading practices, such as flogging, amputation and stoning. 7