UN Rights Chief Warns of Rising Civilian Risks in Middle East Conflict

UN Rights Chief Warns of Rising Civilian Risks in Middle East Conflict
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The UN human rights chief has warned that escalating retaliatory strikes in the Middle East are increasing risks to civilians and essential infrastructure, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

Volker Türk expressed concern over the growing civilian impact of the conflict following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.

In a statement, Türk warned that the apparent “tit-for-tat dynamic” between the sides risks widening the conflict and increasing harm to civilians. He condemned attacks affecting residential areas as well as health facilities, schools, cultural sites, and water and energy infrastructure.

The UN official also cited recent strikes on a desalination plant and fuel facilities in Iran that reportedly disrupted water access for dozens of villages and raised environmental concerns.

Türk said such attacks raise questions about compliance with the principles of proportionality and precaution under international humanitarian law and stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

He also noted wider regional effects, including disruptions to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have affected access to energy, food, and fertilizer.

Türk further expressed concern over reports of detentions and intimidation linked to public expressions about the conflict and called for the release of those arbitrarily detained.