In the first three months of 2015, civilian casualties from ground engagements rose by eight per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures released by the United Nations Sunday.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that the toll is likely to rise in the coming summer months.
UNAMA found that ground fighting between Pro-Government Forces and Anti-Government Elements caused 521 civilian casualties - that is 136 civilians killed and 385 injured.
Most of the casualties are caused by 'Anti-Government Elements' (73 per cent), with 'Pro-Government Forces' responsible for just under a quarter (14 per cent). Following the release of the latest figures, UN officials in the country called on all parties, especially the Taliban, to "cease attacks against people who are not taking a direct part in hostilities."
Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, urged the parties in particular to refrain from using mortars and rockets in any areas populated by civilians.
Between 1 January and 31 March, UNAMA documented 266 civilian casualties (62 deaths and 204 injured) from mortars and rockets, up 43 per cent from the same period last year and accounting for half of civilian casualties from ground engagements.
In a statement to the press, he said the spike in casualties is a "seasonal resumption of higher levels of conflict-related violence." Haysom, along with his colleagues at the Mission, expressed concern over the impact on civilians of further conflict-related operations between Government and Anti-Government forces in the next several months.
"With all signs pointing to increased ground conflict in the coming months, with devastating consequences for civilians, parties must act urgently on the commitments they've made to prevent harm to civilians, especially women and children," Georgette Gagnon, Director of Human Rights for UNAMA, said.
Gagnon also pointed out that women and child casualties have surpassed the unprecedented levels recorded in 2014. Women casualties increased 15 per cent compared to the first three months of 2014. Conflict-related violence killed 55 women and injured 117 and 123 children and injured 307.