A/HRC/31/46 Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled; and representatives of the Attorney General’s Office, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations. VIII. Conclusion 76. The security, political and economic challenges faced by the Government of Afghanistan, combined with weak rule of law institutions, persistent impunity and deeply rooted discriminatory practices affecting women, adversely impacted on the human rights situation. Throughout 2015, civilians continued to bear the brunt of the conflict. UNAMA/OHCHR documented the highest levels of civilian casualties since 2009. 77. A pervasive culture of impunity prevailed for perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, in particular, attacks against the civilian population, violence against women, and torture and ill-treatment, killings and other forms of harm. 78. Amid ongoing violence and political instability, the Government took steps to promote and protect human rights. Key achievements included the issuance of a national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security and a national plan on the elimination of torture and the inclusion of human rights indicators and deliverables in the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework. UNAMA/OHCHR fully supports those initiatives, which are critical to ensuring that the fundamental rights of all people in Afghanistan are protected and upheld. 79. Building a culture of human rights and protection requires a long-term political commitment by Afghan authorities at all levels and continued support from the international community. UNAMA/OHCHR will continue its efforts through 2016 and beyond to work with the Government, security organs, civil society, the international community and other relevant stakeholders, to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan. IX. Recommendations 80. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recommends the following: 81. The Government of Afghanistan should: (a) Initiate and implement sound measures aimed at protecting civilians, in particular vulnerable populations, from the harms of the armed conflict; (b) Strengthen structures to track, mitigate and provide accountability for civilian casualties by pro-Government forces; ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and human rights abuses by the Afghan National Security Forces and pro-Government militias and allied forces and prosecute and punish those found responsible; and continue to dedicate all resources necessary to enable the full implementation of the national strategy to counter improvised explosive devices; (c) Promptly disband and disarm pro-Government militias and investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of human rights abuses and other criminal acts, and ensure that individuals recruited into regular security forces have been adequately vetted; (d) Enhance the enforcement of laws and directives to prevent and ensure accountability for underage recruitment and use of children and other grave 16