KABUL, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) expressed concern over the growing population of orphaned children, a negative outcome of ongoing conflict and war in the country.

The AIHRC has indicated a shocking and unprecedented increase in civilian casualties, and that the conflict has denied Afghan citizens access to their basic human rights, particularly the right to health, education and justice and contributed to the growth of the children number in the war-affected nation, according to an AIHRC statement reaching Xinhua on Thursday.

"War casualties have led to an increase in the number of poor and single-parent households and orphaned children, which in turn has alarming consequences for the human rights situation of children in urban and rural areas," the statement said.

"To achieve lasting peace, the peace process must ensure presence, participation and inclusion of human rights institutions, women's rights groups, civil society and other representatives of diverse segments of the Afghan society," the statement added.

More than 2,560 civilians were killed and over 5,670 others injured in conflict-related incidents in the first nine months of this year, according to figures released by the United Nations mission in the country.

According to the mission report, 631 children lost their lives and over 1,830 children were wounded during the period.