Geneva, March 16 (QNA) - The State of Qatar reiterated its strongest condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting Qatari territory and several other brotherly countries with missiles and drones, in a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, a direct threat to the safety and security of civilians, a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.

This came in a statement delivered today by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah during her participation in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, within the framework of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Her Excellency welcomed the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2817, which condemns the Iranian attacks on several countries in the region and affirms respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and rejects the targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure.

Her Excellency noted that the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilian facilities, civilians, and residential areas constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that the continuation of such acts is deeply concerning and cannot be tolerated.

Her Excellency stressed that targeting a state that is not a party to the conflict and has not permitted the use of its territory or airspace for hostilities constitutes a serious violation of international law and negatively impacts international peace and security, as well as the enjoyment of fundamental rights, foremost among them the rights to life, education, health, security, and development.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves its full right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter in defense of its sovereignty and security, while reiterating the call for an immediate cessation of escalation, a return to dialogue, and the exercise of wisdom to preserve the security and stability of the region. (QNA)