The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, warning of the widespread impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, has urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent further escalation, and take measures to safeguard civilians and critical infrastructure.
The conflict has affected 12 countries, with reports of civilian deaths and damage to homes, offices, businesses, airports, and energy infrastructure. In Iran, the Red Crescent reports 787 civilian deaths, including dozens of girls killed or injured when their primary school was struck during class. The Iranian military has responded with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting other regional states, resulting in civilian casualties and damage.
In Israel, nine civilians were killed when a missile hit a residential area in Beit Shemesh. The situation in Lebanon is also worsening, with Hezbollah firing projectiles at Israel and Israel conducting heavy counterstrikes, including in Beirut. Nearly 30,000 residents reportedly fled affected areas overnight, adding to 64,000 already displaced.
Türk has stressed that attacks targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure, as well as indiscriminate strikes, are serious violations of international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. He has also raised concerns over Iran’s crackdown on dissent, restrictions on internet access, and the safety of hundreds of political prisoners.
The UN Human Rights Chief has urged all parties to end the violence and for states to uphold the UN Charter, international human rights law, and humanitarian law. He has emphasized that returning to negotiations is the only way to halt the killing and destruction.
Source: Times of Kuwait
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