Geneva, Switzerland. Gulf states have requested an urgent debate at the United Nations Human Rights Council over Iran’s strikes on civilians and energy infrastructure across the Middle East, documents show.
Request and diplomatic note
A diplomatic note sent by Gulf states, seen by Reuters, described ballistic missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as a “situation of serious concern for international peace and security,” with severe human rights implications.
Context and impact
The expanding U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, now in its third week, has sparked large-scale Iranian retaliation through drone and missile strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy facilities across the region have spiked energy prices and fuelled fears of a rise in inflation globally.
Draft resolution
The diplomatic note said the “unprovoked attacks” on Gulf countries came despite their assurances to Tehran that their territories would not host anti-Iran launches.
A draft resolution proposed by the Gulf states strongly condemns the strikes and calls for Iran to immediately stop attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and seeks reparations for civilian, infrastructure and environmental damage.
Council response
The Council has received the request and is considering a date to hold the debate, according to a letter from its president, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.
What do you think the UN Human Rights Council should prioritise in an urgent debate on these strikes?
