Arab Human Rights network calls for urgent action following strikes

The 26th extraordinary General Assembly of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions concluded on March 16, coinciding with Arab Human Rights Day, issuing urgent recommendations in response to recent Iranian military attacks targeting several Arab countries.

Participants condemned the attacks as direct threats to civilian lives and infrastructure, describing them as violations of international humanitarian law. The assembly called for strengthened national and regional mechanisms to protect civilians, including monitoring and documentation of violations, rapid-response frameworks, and enhanced cooperation among Arab human rights institutions, Caliber.Az reports via BNA. 

The Network urged the international community to launch an independent United Nations investigation, convene a special session of the UN Human Rights Council, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Recommendations to affected states included emergency response planning, continuity of essential services, and psychological support for those impacted.

Moderated by Secretary-General Sultan bin Hassan Al Jammali, the meeting highlighted the need for a unified Arab position to safeguard civilians, reinforce legal and moral responsibilities, and coordinate regional human rights efforts amid escalating tensions.

Speakers stressed that these attacks represent a serious breach of international law and have resulted in significant humanitarian and security consequences, which prompted the convening of the meeting to assess the situation from legal and human rights perspectives and discuss mechanisms to address it and strengthen civilian protection.

The meeting was convened in line with the Network’s statute and its regional role in supporting and protecting human rights, monitoring violations, and coordinating joint Arab efforts to address urgent challenges in a way that contributes to enhancing security and stability in the Arab region.

By Sabina Mammadli