New York, July 15 (QNA) - The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that the resumption of wider-scale hostilities in the Middle East between the United States (US) and Iran represents a major setback.
In a statement, the High Commissioner warned that the return to conflict undermines peace efforts and deepens instability, posing grave risks to human rights across the region.
He stressed that the reported Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the reported Iranian attacks on civilian facilities in other countries in the region must cease immediately.
Turk called on all parties to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHRL), including by taking all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian objects, and to fulfill their obligations under IHRL.
He said that reports of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are deeply alarming because of their human rights implications, which extend far beyond the region.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized the need to prioritize diplomacy, exercise restraint, and de-escalate tensions, calling for an immediate return to the ceasefire between Iran and the US and for its implementation in accordance with international law. (QNA)