UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on Iran and the United States to return to the negotiating table
Geneva, July 9 (KUNA) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Iran and the United States today, Monday, to return immediately to the negotiating table, warning of the geopolitical and economic repercussions of the war and its impacts on the entire region. This came in a speech delivered by Türk at the opening of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, where he warned of escalating armed conflicts around the world.
In this context, he expressed his strong condemnation of the death of more than 1,300 Palestinians in Israeli occupation airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire agreement announced about a year ago, as well as the continued restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. He expressed shock at Israeli occupation calls for the forced displacement of all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, condemning the inhumane rhetoric issued by some senior occupation officials.
Regarding developments in the West Bank, Türk warned of the occupation’s continued efforts to annex Palestinian land there, despite the International Court of Justice’s ruling, and called for measures to prevent the entrenchment of the occupation in lands designated for Palestinians within the framework of a two-state solution. He called on relevant states to ban arms exports to the occupation and urged companies to halt commercial exchanges that support settlements, emphasizing the need to strengthen international efforts to achieve a sustainable peace in accordance with UN resolutions and international law.
On Lebanon, Türk called on the occupation forces to stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, affirming that his office has launched an investigation into violations committed since March 2 to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the UN official noted that the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war has entered its fifth year and is heading in a “dangerous” direction, amid rising civilian casualties and intensified attacks on energy infrastructure.
On the Sudan file, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern over the ongoing war, which has entered its fourth year and is expanding in scope, calling on the UN Security Council to focus on the deteriorating situation there and demanding an immediate ceasefire.
Türk also expressed concern over escalating tensions in Yemen and called on the international community to do everything in its power to prevent a return to full-scale war, reiterating his call for the Houthi militias to immediately release 73 UN and non-governmental organization staff members.
The High Commissioner called on countries worldwide to strengthen national accountability mechanisms and provide full support to the International Criminal Court, encouraging states that have not yet used the principle of universal jurisdiction to resort to available mechanisms to ensure that those accused of committing atrocious crimes are brought to justice. (End) A.M.Kh./N.B.Sh
