Statement Condemning Israel's Attacks on Iran: Violations of International Law and Human Rights

Your Excellency,
AThe attacks directly contravene Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The absence of credible evidence demonstrating an imminent armed attack by Iran against Israel renders these actions unjustifiable under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits self-defense solely in response to an armed attack or an imminent threat thereof. Without such conditions—particularly given that Iran and the United States were engaged in a series of diplomatic negotiations at the time—the attacks constitute an unlawful act of aggression, breaching the fundamental principles of international peace and security.
Furthermore, the attacks contravene international humanitarian law (IHL), specifically the principles of distinction and proportionality enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 (Common Article 3 and Additional Protocol I). As Iranian citizens, we have witnessed the targeting of civilian infrastructure and non-military personnel, resulting in civilian deaths and casualties. Such actions violate Article 48 of Additional Protocol I, which mandates the distinction between civilian and military objectives, and Article 51(5)(b), which prohibits attacks that may be expected to cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. The deliberate or indiscriminate targeting of civilian objects and persons constitutes a serious breach of IHL, undermining the fundamental protections afforded to non-combatants during armed conflicts.
Your Excellency,
As a distinguished Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council, you are acutely aware that these attacks also infringe upon human rights law, particularly the right to life guaranteed under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The targeting of civilians and non-combatants constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life, violating this most fundamental of human rights. The destruction of civilian infrastructure further threatens the rights to security and livelihood, contravening the principles of human dignity and equality that underpin international human rights law.
Abshar Atefeha Charitable Foundation, as a non-governmental organization in consultative status with ECOSOC, submits that the broader implications of these violations pose significant threats to regional and global stability. The principles of sovereignty, non-aggression, and civilian protection constitute the cornerstones of the international legal framework, designed to prevent escalation and maintain peace. By disregarding these fundamental norms, the attacks risk normalizing impunity and eroding the rule of law—a pattern we have witnessed in Israel's continuing mass killings of Palestinians in last two years, met with complete impunity despite clear violations of international law. The international community has repeatedly affirmed the universal applicability of these legal obligations, emphasizing that no state stands exempt from compliance with international law.
In conclusion, Israel's attacks on Iran represent serious violations of core principles of international law, including the UN Charter, Geneva Conventions, and ICCPR. These actions constitute grave breaches of the prohibitions on the use of force, the fundamental principles of IHL, and the protections afforded by human rights law. The international community, including the UN Security Council and UN Human Rights Council, must fulfill its responsibility to ensure accountability and prevent further violations of international law.
Failure to address these breaches undermines the integrity of the global legal order and jeopardizes international peace and security.
We respectfully urge Your Excellency to give due consideration to these grave violations and to take appropriate action within your mandate to address these concerns.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Abshar Atefeha Charitable Foundation