Geneva: The UN human rights chief said on Friday that a deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran 'evoked visceral horror,' calling on all countries to take urgent steps to protect schools and civilians in conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Volker Turk, referring to an airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab, described the attack as horrifying. The strike, which occurred on February 28, marked the beginning of the current conflict and resulted in the death of approximately 170 individuals, most of whom were schoolgirls. Analysts from the US Defense Department suggested that the strike was likely the result of a US attack.
Turk highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, noting, 'The images of bombed-out classrooms and grieving parents showed clearly who pays the highest price for war, civilians with no power in the decisions that led to conflict,' during an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council.
He emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and stated, 'Whatever differences countries have, we can all agree they will not be solved by killing school children.' Turk called on all nations to take immediate action to safeguard educational institutions and those within them.
Addressing the broader implications of the conflict, Turk warned of escalating military tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf, saying they have reached dangerous levels and must end. He highlighted the rising risk of further civilian suffering in the region and beyond.
Turk specifically urged the United States and Israel to cease their attacks on Iran and called on Iran to refrain from aggressive actions against its neighbors while respecting and protecting the human rights of its citizens.
He concluded with a plea for restraint, urging nations to prioritize the prevention of further suffering and the protection of all civilians. Turk underscored the necessity of seeking long-term, sustainable peace, warning that military actions only lead to death and destruction.