Afghan security forces are occupying schools as part of military operations, contrary to several international declarations, Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] reported [materials] Wednesday. The report details why such military seizures push civilians into the front lines, risks the lives of children and perpetuate a failing educational system in the nation. HRW also claims the Taliban is responsible for occupying numerous schools in the northeastern region of Afghanistan, leaving the buildings in rubble. The advocacy group urged the government to take immediate steps to curtail the use of schools in military efforts.

This is not the first time Afghanistan has faced criticism for putting its children and its educational system at risk. In July the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) [official website] reported that civilian casualties have reached a record high [JURIST report] in the first half of 2016, with more than a third of that number accounting for children. In April the UN reported that violence in Afghanistan has injured health and education personnel, reducing available health care and restricting children’s’ access to fundamental health and educational services [JURIST report]. In August 2015 the UN reported a significant increase [JURIST report] in the number of women and children being hurt or killed in Afghanistan’s war against the Taliban and other insurgents.