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Civilians bear brunt of reckless war in the Middle East, says Türk

19 March 2026

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GENEVA – Almost three weeks since the US-Israel strikes on Iran commenced, the conflict continues to spread, with its toll disproportionately impacting civilians across the Middle East region and beyond, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said on Thursday. Attacks now appear to increasingly shift towards densely populated areas, as well as major gas and oil facilities, he warned.

“The human cost of this reckless war is alarming. Hostilities are being waged without regard to the immediate and long-term consequences for civilians across the entire region,” said Türk.

The targeting of major energy installations is now reaching a dangerous phase, amid threats of further escalation, he added.

“Attacks on energy infrastructure - including South Pars in Iran and Ras Laffan in Qatar – will only compound hardship. Disastrous humanitarian, economic and environmental consequences will be triggered if such attacks continue, resulting in deep harm to civilians – potentially for years to come,” said Türk.

“To pull the region back from the brink and prevent the further loss of civilian life and destruction of vital public infrastructure, renewed diplomatic efforts are critical.”

US and Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of people across Iran. Housing complexes, medical facilities, schools, shops, courthouses, UNESCO World Heritage sites and energy installations have been impacted by strikes. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, 67,414 civilian sites have been struck, of which 498 are schools and 236 health facilities.

In addition to the prevailing risk of harm, the cumulative impact of hostilities in Iran is contributing to disruptions in electricity supply, and shortages of essential goods from medicine to infant formula and fuel.

Israeli strikes continue to pound Lebanon, causing significant civilian casualties, extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and the displacement of over a million people. Iranian strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel have also struck residential areas, causing further civilian casualties and damaging civilian objects.

Attacks targeting civilian objects or infrastructure indispensable to the civilian population constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes. The law of war is clear: objects that provide services to the civilian population do not meet the strict definition of military objectives and are therefore civilian objects.

“All parties to this conflict are bound by their obligations – irrespective of the conduct of any other party - and must take all feasible measures to avoid harm to civilians and damage to civilian objects,” said Türk.

The High Commissioner also deplored the impact of the sustained Iranian strikes against States in the region. Strikes on Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have kept the region on high alert, instilling fear and anxiety among people.

In several of these States, Iranian drones and missiles are reported to have struck hotels, airports, diplomatic premises, ports, tankers, and energy facilities. They have also been intercepted over or near populated areas. Strikes and interceptions have reportedly caused deaths, injuries, damage to airports, ports, water and energy infrastructure, and disruption to civilian aviation and shipping.

Foreign nationals, including migrant workers from South Asia, are among those killed, including from falling debris and shrapnel. With many residing or working near strategic infrastructure, they face heightened risks of exposure, the High Commissioner said.

As the war escalates, the domestic situation in Iran continues to worsen with reports of continued repression, and waves of arrest by the authorities, amidst continued internet shutdowns. The situation of political prisoners is of grave concern with reports of limited access to food and risks of enforced disappearance and executions. Executions of four individuals have been reported, three of which are in relation to the January 2026 nation-wide protests.

In several countries across the region, civic space has been restricted and arrests have also been made on charges related to alleged espionage, treason, or sharing content related to hostilities.

“In times of war, the rule of law, due process and other human rights obligations continue to apply. The ugly reality of war is not a carte blanche to violate human rights,” the High Commissioner stressed.

“Many across the region and beyond will be observing Eid al-Fitr this weekend in circumstances of hardship, uncertainty, and fear. I extend my Eid wishes to all those who observe it, and my heartfelt solidarity to all those enduring the hardships of conflict and instability.”

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Geneva
Ravina Shamdasani: +41 22 917 9169 / [email protected]
Jeremy Laurence: +41 22 917 9383 / [email protected]
Thameen Al-Kheetan: + 41 22 917 4232 / [email protected]

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• Israel

• Lebanon

• Conflicts and violence
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