The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on a “maximum deduction” on Thursday and reiterated that Israel and Iran are linked by international humanitarian law.
“The large -scale and continuous attacks of Israel through Iran, and missile and drone strikes launched in response by Iran, inflict serious human rights and humanitarian impacts on civilians, and Risk of fixing the whole region on fire“He said in a press release.
“” The only way to get out of this climbing spiral illogical is a maximum restraintFull respect for international law and return in good faith to the negotiating table, “he said.
Appalling collateral damage
The head of the Rights of the United Nations also expressed his deep concern about the impact on civilians.
“” It is appalling to see how civilians are treated as collateral damage in the conduct of hostilities“He said, adding that the threats and the inflammatory rhetoric of senior officials on both sides suggest a” disturbing intention “to inflict damage to civilians.
Air strikes, missiles and drone attacks – launched by Israel and Iran since June 13 – have caused heavy damage to civil infrastructure and have won hundreds of lives.
According to Iranian authorities, at least 224 people were killed, while human rights groups report significantly higher figures. In Israel, officials report 24 deaths and more than 840 injuries so far.
Generalized panic
Warnings from the two governments have also caused a widespread panic among civilians.
The call of Israel to civilians to evacuate Tuesday triggered panic through Tehran, causing heavy traffic jams on the motorways. The movement would have been hampered across the country by fuel shortages, causing queues for several hours in the service stations.
Refugee
The United Nations High Commissioner Office for Refugees (Hcr) expressed serious concerns about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, adding that he was monitoring the reports that people are in movement in Iran and that some leave for neighboring countries.
UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch warned that the situation remained fluid and difficult to verify.
“” Iran has long welcomed the largest population of Afghan refugees in the world. Now, his own people have a devastation and fear“Added Mr. Baloch.
He also underlined the principle of non-refoulement, calling for neighboring countries to give protection to anyone fleeing violence and not to return them.
Iran welcomes around 3.5 million refugees and those of refugee type situations, including some 750,000 Afghans registered and more than 2.6 million undocumented people.
Regional concerns
There are already regional benefits, with missile launches from Yemen to Israel and the Palestinian territory occupied and increased tensions involving armed groups in Iraq, according to Ochha.
“” This escalation takes place while the region is already struggling with growing humanitarian needs, strongly reduced funding and an operational space forced to humanitarian action“Said the office in a Flash update Posted Wednesday.
“De -escalation is vital to prevent new suffering from civilians and the displacements of the population,” said OCHA.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com