A/HRC/16/67 56. Responding to the Secretary-General’s April 2010 finding that the Afghan National Police and several AGE groups were among “parties that recruit or use children, kill or maim children and/or commit rape and other forms of sexual violence against children in situations of armed conflict” (A/64/742-S/2010/181, annex I), the Government on 30 November finalized an action plan to address concerns. VII. Conclusion 57. Longstanding human rights concerns including rising civilian casualties and decreased protection for civilians due to intensified armed conflict, deeply entrenched impunity, the lack of functioning and independent “rule of law” institutions, and widespread practices that harm, degrade and humiliate women and deny them their basic human rights continue to seriously undermine efforts to promote and protect human rights in Afghanistan. While Government authorities have taken steps to build peace and rule of law, institutions remain weak. Legal and policy frameworks require considerable review, and reform and existing laws and policies that promote and protect human rights require much greater and more effective implementation. Afghanistan’s international partners should redouble support in these critical areas and ensure the protection of civilians and the rights of detainees in military and security operations. VIII. Recommendations 58. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recommends that: (a) The Taliban and other anti-Government elements should withdraw all orders and statements calling for the killing of civilians and reduce civilian casualties by complying with international humanitarian law, rules and principles including those rules the Taliban publicly committed to in the Taliban Code of Conduct and other documents on preventing civilian casualties when planning suicide attacks and acts of perfidy; (b) International military forces and Afghan National Security Forces should fully implement measures designed to reduce civilian casualties and further strengthen civilian protection. They should institute immediate, credible, impartial and transparent investigations into all incidents involving civilian casualties, including public and prompt reports on the progress and results of investigations, and take appropriate disciplinary or criminal action against any individuals found responsible for violations of military or domestic criminal law. International military forces should provide timely, adequate and transparent compensation for civilians/victims of all military operations that result in death or injury of civilians or damage to civilian property; (c) The Government of Afghanistan should reaffirm its commitment to justice and combating impunity for perpetrators of serious international crimes and human rights violations. The Public Amnesty and National Stability Law should be revoked as it clearly violates the Constitutional provisions and the Government’s international treaty obligations; (d) The Government of Afghanistan at the highest levels, including the President, should continue to publicly emphasize that promotion and protection of women’s rights are an integral part and main priority of peace, reintegration and reconciliation and a central pillar of the country’s political, economic, and security strategies. The Government should expedite implementation of the National Action 16