A series of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory led to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. Iran fact-finding mission calls for investigation into possible violations of international law Peace and Security
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran has called on all parties to the conflict in the Middle East to immediately cease hostilities, abandon rhetoric justifying violence, and ensure full respect for international law.
According to the mission, a series of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory led to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure – from hospitals and research centers to schools and universities. More than three thousand dead were reported, including 216 children and 251 women, as well as members of the Iranian Red Crescent. Almost 1,900 children and 4,600 women were injured.
The mission notes that, if preliminary information is confirmed, some incidents may amount to war crimes, such as deliberate targeting of civilian objects or disproportionate attacks.
Destruction of medical and educational institutions
Mission experts are especially concerned about the destruction of medical and educational institutions: 315 clinics, 760 schools and 29 universities were damaged. Among the sites affected were the Pasteur Institute in Tehran and the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical company, which produces drugs for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the strikes also affected Iranian nuclear facilities in Khondab, Yazd and Bushehr, which pose additional risks, including possible radiation damage pollution.
The mission strongly condemned statements by senior US officials, which, in its assessment, could be considered incitement to violence and disregard for obligations under international law. The mission statement emphasized that international humanitarian law prohibits threats of violence intended to intimidate civilians.
Human rights situation inside Iran
The mission also expressed serious concern about the human rights situation inside Iran. The Internet is almost completely blocked in the country, and detentions continue, including of human rights activists and representatives of religious minorities. According to the mission, 14 death sentences have been carried out in the country over the past three weeks on security-related charges. Among them are renowned human rights activist Nasreen Sotoudeh and followers of Baha’ism.
The mission welcomed the temporary ceasefire, emphasizing that it should be a step towards lasting peace. She called for an inclusive peace process based on human rights, as well as independent and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international law. In particular, the mission is awaiting the release of the results of the Pentagon’s investigation into the attack on a girls’ elementary school in Hormozgan province, where 168 students and teachers were reportedly killed.