World must 'urgently contain' Middle East escalation: UN rights chief

GENEVA

The UN human rights chief on Friday said the world "urgently needs" to contain the Middle East escalation amid US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Volker Turk said instead of de-escalation, the world is witnessing “more inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric, more bombings, more destruction, killings, and escalation that fuels it further."

He voiced "significant concerns" about respect for international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the conduct of hostilities. He also highlighted reports of an attack on a school, emphasizing that civilian sites must be protected.

"Obviously, this is clearly a civilian institution that should never be attacked," he said.

Turk called for accountability and investigations into alleged violations.

"What we have asked for is obviously prompt, transparent, and impartial investigations, which we understand have been announced by the United States of America," the UN rights chief said.

Asked about his messages to the US and Israel, he said: "The messages are, de-escalate. Go back to the negotiating table and find a way not to use methods of war and military-type actions as your means of achieving something."

"It's never going to work," Turk added.

He noted that he will be in Washington, DC, later this month, saying: "We will see what this will bring."

Regarding the reported use of AI, he said that his office does not know exactly the details of what type of systems are being used, but added: "It is very clear from an international human rights perspective that you need to have human control over the exercise of weapons, and if that is not the case, we are obviously very worried."

Escalations in Lebanon becoming 'flash point'

Turk voiced particular concern over developments in Lebanon, including large-scale displacement orders.

"Lebanon is becoming a key flashpoint," Turk warned, saying he is "extremely concerned and worried about the latest developments following Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and Israel’s heavy counterstrikes, as well as its extensive displacement orders that have already forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes."

"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities," he added.

Meanwhile, the UN human rights spokesperson said Israel’s military ground incursions into southern Lebanon, blanket displacement orders for the population in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa region and the full area to the south of the Litani river, and its continued airstrikes on different parts of the country, "are bringing more misery and suffering to an already weary civilian population."

Ravina Shamdasani noted that these displacement orders reportedly affected more than 100 towns and villages, which are home to tens of thousands of people, and risk affecting many more.

In addition, she said, the Israeli army on Thursday urged the complete evacuation of almost the entire southern suburb of Beirut, "creating fear and panic among residents, as well as the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon."

"We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict in Lebanon," Shamdasani stressed, calling for urgent de-escalation, compliance with obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701 and faithful application of the 2024 ceasefire arrangements.

"The sovereignty of Lebanon and the human rights of its people must be respected," she concluded.