"THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING YOU": UN Commissioner Condemns Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure in the Middle East

“THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING YOU”: UN Commissioner Condemns Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure in the Middle East The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned attacks on vital civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, emphasizing that such infrastructure must be protected during wartime according to the laws of war. He stated that all parties are obligated to respect these rules and be held accountable for violations, noting that predictable impacts on civilians and the environment raise serious questions about proportionality and precaution under international humanitarian law. Türk also highlighted the plight of foreign workers and the consequences of collapsing commercial maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz on access to essential goods.

• Attacks on vital civilian infrastructure in the Middle East are increasing risks for populations in the region and beyond.
• Under the laws of war, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all costs.
• All parties must adhere to these rules and face accountability for any violations.
• The predictable impacts of these attacks raise serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law principles of proportionality and precaution.
• The UN High Commissioner also noted the difficult situation of foreign workers and the impact of the collapse of commercial maritime traffic on access to energy, food, and fertilizers.