A/HRC/19/47 52. During 2010, the Government made positive efforts with regards to submission of periodic reports under its treaty obligations. In January 2011, the Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the initial report of Afghanistan on its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. With support from UN-Women, the Government also completed its initial report to the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which will be considered in 2012. OHCHR/UNAMA will continue to support the Government in developing action plans to implement the concluding observations of the treaty bodies. VII. Conclusion 53. The Government authorities, with support from the international community, have made some progress in addressing major issues of concerns, such as in the areas of legal reform, consolidating the peace and reconciliation process and strengthening the criminal justice system. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, media and civil society organizations have continued advocacy efforts and to highlight human rights concerns. However, many challenges still remain, such as ensuring justice for victims of human rights violations, ensuring civilian protection, improving laws and policy implementation, and establishing effective accountability mechanisms within government and security sector institutions. As the transition of lead security responsibility progresses from international to Afghan-led security structures, it is imperative that greater attention be given to the Government of Afghanistan's human rights obligations. In order to be successful and sustainable, the transition process must be focused not only on the handover of security responsibilities, but also on the development of local communities, the establishment of good governance and the ability to protect civilians, especially the rights of the most vulnerable individuals, including women, children and ethnic minorities. Respect for international legal norms by all parties is critical, not only for strengthening efforts to protect civilians, but also seeking a political solution that will allow all Afghans – men and women, boys and girls – to partake in their country’s development, free from violence and to enjoy their fundamental human rights. VIII. Recommendations 54. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recommends that: (a) Afghan National Security Forces and International Military Forces take all feasible precautions to prevent and minimize incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians and damage to civilian objects during the planning and implementation of military operations. 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, take appropriate disciplinary or criminal action against any individuals found responsible for violations of military or domestic criminal law, and ensure consistent and appropriate compensation; (b) The Taliban and other AGEs prevent civilian casualties by complying with international humanitarian law including respect for the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautionary measures. They should immediately cease targeting civilians as such deliberate attacks are violations of international law; (c) The Government of Afghanistan ensure prosecution of all serious crimes of violence against women. It should issue instructions to all officials, clarifying the 16