UN Human Rights Chief ‘deeply shocked’ by escalating Middle East hostilities
3/3/2026 2:14:08 PM
The spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani, on Tuesday delivered a stark warning over the rapidly worsening crisis in the Middle East, describing the fear and anxiety gripping millions across the region as "palpable – and entirely avoidable."
Speaking from Geneva on the Middle East crisis, Shamdasani said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was "deeply shocked" by the mounting toll on civilians and civilian infrastructure since widespread hostilities erupted on Saturday.
The conflict began with attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, followed by Iranian strikes against States across the region and the subsequent entry of Hezbollah into the fighting.
"The laws of war are crystal clear," Shamdasani stressed. "Civilians and civilian objects are protected. All States and armed groups must abide by these laws."
According to the UN human rights office, the hostilities have so far affected at least 14 States, including Iran and Israel, damaging or destroying private homes, offices, businesses, airports, and energy facilities.
In Iran, the Iran Red Crescent Society has put the death toll at 787. In what has been described as the single deadliest incident to date, dozens of girls were reportedly killed or injured when their primary school in the southern city of Minab was struck during school hours.
The High Commissioner called for a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the attack, stressing that responsibility lies with the forces that carried it out. He urged that findings be made public and that accountability and redress for victims be ensured.
Iran has responded to U.S. and Israeli strikes by launching hundreds of missiles and drones across the region, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. In the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, nine people were killed when a missile struck a residential area.
The UN also voiced grave concern over the sharp escalation in Lebanon after Hezbollah fired barrages into Israel and Israel carried out heavy counterstrikes, including in Beirut.
Reports indicate civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and renewed displacement in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Nearly 30,000 residents reportedly fled affected areas overnight, adding to the 64,000 already displaced.
The High Commissioner urged both parties to immediately halt the escalation and return to the agreed ceasefire.
Shamdasani reiterated that international humanitarian law requires strict adherence to the principles of distinction and proportionality, and the taking of precautions to protect civilians.
"Attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks, are serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes," she said.
The UN human rights office also expressed grave concern for the welfare of the Iranian population, citing the Government’s history of using lethal force against dissent and recent threats against expressions of opposition.
Authorities were reminded of their obligations under international human rights law to safeguard fundamental freedoms. The UN further called for the immediate restoration of telecommunications services, amid reports that many Iranians are again unable to access the Internet.
Concerns were also raised regarding hundreds of political prisoners reportedly held arbitrarily in Iran, with the High Commissioner urging their prompt release and protection.
"Human rights must not be instrumentalized or used as a bargaining chip by any State," Shamdasani said, warning of the long-term consequences of external force on human rights protections.
In closing, the High Commissioner implored all parties to "come to their senses" and end the violence, urging States to uphold and defend the UN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law.
Speaking from Geneva on the Middle East crisis, Shamdasani said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was "deeply shocked" by the mounting toll on civilians and civilian infrastructure since widespread hostilities erupted on Saturday.
The conflict began with attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, followed by Iranian strikes against States across the region and the subsequent entry of Hezbollah into the fighting.
"The laws of war are crystal clear," Shamdasani stressed. "Civilians and civilian objects are protected. All States and armed groups must abide by these laws."
According to the UN human rights office, the hostilities have so far affected at least 14 States, including Iran and Israel, damaging or destroying private homes, offices, businesses, airports, and energy facilities.
In Iran, the Iran Red Crescent Society has put the death toll at 787. In what has been described as the single deadliest incident to date, dozens of girls were reportedly killed or injured when their primary school in the southern city of Minab was struck during school hours.
The High Commissioner called for a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the attack, stressing that responsibility lies with the forces that carried it out. He urged that findings be made public and that accountability and redress for victims be ensured.
Iran has responded to U.S. and Israeli strikes by launching hundreds of missiles and drones across the region, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. In the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, nine people were killed when a missile struck a residential area.
The UN also voiced grave concern over the sharp escalation in Lebanon after Hezbollah fired barrages into Israel and Israel carried out heavy counterstrikes, including in Beirut.
Reports indicate civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and renewed displacement in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Nearly 30,000 residents reportedly fled affected areas overnight, adding to the 64,000 already displaced.
The High Commissioner urged both parties to immediately halt the escalation and return to the agreed ceasefire.
Shamdasani reiterated that international humanitarian law requires strict adherence to the principles of distinction and proportionality, and the taking of precautions to protect civilians.
"Attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks, are serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes," she said.
The UN human rights office also expressed grave concern for the welfare of the Iranian population, citing the Government’s history of using lethal force against dissent and recent threats against expressions of opposition.
Authorities were reminded of their obligations under international human rights law to safeguard fundamental freedoms. The UN further called for the immediate restoration of telecommunications services, amid reports that many Iranians are again unable to access the Internet.
Concerns were also raised regarding hundreds of political prisoners reportedly held arbitrarily in Iran, with the High Commissioner urging their prompt release and protection.
"Human rights must not be instrumentalized or used as a bargaining chip by any State," Shamdasani said, warning of the long-term consequences of external force on human rights protections.
In closing, the High Commissioner implored all parties to "come to their senses" and end the violence, urging States to uphold and defend the UN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law.