Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Urgent Debate:
"Protection of Children and Educational Institutions in International Armed Conflicts: The Aerial Attacks on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, Iran, as a Grave Breach of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law"
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr President,
CIVICUS is gravely concerned about the unfolding situation in Iran and the Gulf region. The conflict is exacerbating an already closed civic space in Iran.
We firmly condemn the indiscriminate attacks and targeting of civilians, including children. The aerial attacks on schools and civilian infrastructure constitute a grave breach of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We urge a full and transparent investigation into all such instances.
Following the US and Israel’s aggression in breach of international law towards Iran and amid Iran’s retaliation, the conflict has caused immense loss of life in addition to threatening further deterioration of fundamental freedoms in the entire region.
The coordinated airstrikes by Israel and the US have killed at least 1,255 people in Iran, injuring about 10,000, according to official data. Serious concerns remain over the safety of protest detainees, forcibly disappeared protesters, and other imprisoned activists in Iran. Following the recent mass protests, many protesters in Iran are now facing the death sentence.
We urge this Council to take measures to protect and ensure the safety of detained activists, journalists and protesters caught inside active conflict zones. We underscore the urgent need for all parties to respect the rights of the Iranian people to peaceful assembly, expression, and association, and to operate within the confines of international human rights law. As a wider securitisation of civic space emerges across a region where civic freedoms are already severely repressed, we call on this Council to address human rights implications of the attacks by all parties objectively, impartially, and without double standards.
We call on all parties to halt hostilities and protect civilian lives, including of women, children, and most vulnerable groups, including by preventing grave violations against children in times of war, as defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1261.
We encourage the international community to work towards a sustainable peace process based on international law and human rights principles, and this Council to establish dedicated mechanisms to ensure justice for victims of grave human rights violations.
We thank you.
