02 January 2013

Fresh concerns have been raised about civilian causalities in Afghanistan after the release of a compensation log by the Ministry of Defence.

The log, which details the deaths of children, families and other civilians, was released in response to a freedom of information request by the Guardian newspaper.

Incidents include the deaths of six members of a family after a rocket overshot its target. 

In another case on 4 May a man lost his entire family after a “weapons malfunction”.

And incidents of children being killed or injured during attack helicopter strikes are also listed.

An MoD spokesperson said incidents involving civilian causalities were of “deep regret” and that, in contrast with actions of insurgents, strict procedures were put in place to “minimise the risk of civilian casualties and to investigate any that occur”.

Concerns were however raised on the extent of transparency within the log. Information is provided for instance on the total paid out – a figure which stood at £537,684 for the last year up to 19 November.

But the ministry declined to provide details of what was paid out in individual incidents.

Sarah Holewinski, the executive director of the Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict (Civic), said “scant details” led to more questions like how claims were handled, what was eligible and how the amounts were arrived at.

“Understanding those basic guidelines is the only way we can begin to make sense of what these numbers mean,” she said.