In most conflicts, civilian casualty data simply do not exist, or are not publicly available. Neither warring parties nor international organizations are required to collect and publish such information.
Nonetheless, estimates of civilian casualties contribute to our understanding of the true costs of conflict. They can also be used by governments to develop harm-reduction strategies.
In a new initiative, the Conflict Monitors now provide interactive charts and maps on civilian casualties in Afghanistan and Pakistan. While this is far from a complete accounting of civilian casualties, particularly in the case of Pakistan, it helps to improve knowledge and understanding of this important issue.
The data are from a variety of datasets and statistical sources created by organizations around the world. The cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data; however, our staff reviewed a number of publications and datasets, and their associated methodologies, in an effort to identify the most reliable sources of information.
The Afghanistan Conflict Monitor presents statistics on civilian casualties based on data from The UN Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Trends in civilian casualties from Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks and attacks on humanitarian workers and journalists are also presented.
More on civilian casualties in Afghanistan
The Pakistan Conflict Monitor presents statistics on civilian casualties based on data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Additional charts show trends in civilian casualties for a number of targeted groups including humanitarian workers, journalists, government officials, and religious worshippers.
More on civilian casualties in Pakistan