UN Human Rights Council condemns Iran attacks on Gulf states

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states and Jordan during a session in Geneva on March 25th, The National reported on the same day.

The resolution denounces the strikes as violations of international law and calls for accountability. It highlights the impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure targeted in the attacks.

Bahrain requested the session on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan on March 18th, according to a UN statement.

Backed by a group of countries, including bloc members and Jordan, the draft resolution calls on Iran to halt actions that threaten regional stability.

The GCC said the resolution reflected broad international rejection of the attacks and warned they posed a threat to regional security, global trade routes and wider international stability.

In a statement released on Facebook, Kuwait’s foreign ministry also welcomed the resolution, describing the attacks as violations of sovereignty and a threat to regional and international security.

It called on Iran to respect international law, halt hostile actions and provide compensation for damage caused.

The UK, which co-sponsored the resolution, said Iran’s actions endangered civilians, destabilised the region and threatened the global economy.

It noted, however, that it had reservations about parts of the text, including references to reparations and the question of whether such issues fall within the council’s mandate.

Iran rejected the resolution, saying its actions were a response to what it described as aggression by the US and its allies.

The attacks took place on February 28th and targeted several Gulf countries and Jordan, according to the same UN statement.

The meeting took place during the UN Council’s 61st session as an urgent debate; although the resolution is not legally binding, it signals concern among member states.

It comes as tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries continue to disrupt shipping and energy supplies in the Gulf.

The move follows a separate UN Security Council resolution earlier this month condemning Iranian attacks and calling for an end to strikes on neighbouring states.

The National, Gulf Cooperation Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait via Facebook, UK Government, UNHRC, Maghrebi.org