UN Rights Chief ‘Deeply Shocked’ by Civilian Toll as Middle East Conflict Intensifies

The UN human rights chief expressed deep concern on Tuesday over the escalating impact of hostilities on civilians across the Middle East, urging all parties to end the violence and return to dialogue.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the fear and anxiety gripping millions in the region as palpable and entirely avoidable, according to his spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani.

“The fear, the panic, the anxiety experienced by millions of people in the Middle East and beyond is palpable  and was entirely avoidable,” Shamdasani told a press conference in Geneva. “The situation is worsening and widening by the hour, playing out our worst fears.”

She stated that Turk is “deeply shocked by the impacts of the widespread hostilities on civilians and civilian infrastructure since the conflict erupted on Saturday with Israel and the United States of America’s attacks on Iran, Iran’s response against states across the region, as well as Hezbollah’s subsequent entry into the conflict.”

Shamdasani emphasized that the laws of war are clear: civilians and civilian objects must be protected, and all states and armed groups are obligated to abide by these rules.

Turk called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent further escalation, and take every feasible measure to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.

“Returning to the negotiating table is the one and only way to bring an end to the killing, destruction and despair,” Shamdasani said. “The high commissioner implores all parties to come to their senses, and to end this violence.”