Doha: The Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) convened Tuesday its urgent General Assembly at its headquarters in Doha to address the Iranian attacks on Arab nations, focusing on human rights violations and the absolute ban on the use of force.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting was held virtually at the request of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in Qatar. Participants emphasized that the Iranian attacks represent a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly the absolute prohibition on the use of force, posing a threat to international peace and security.
The assembly underscored the need for enhanced cooperation among Arab national institutions to exchange information and expertise for civilian protection during crises. Participants advocated for awareness campaigns on civilian rights during conflicts, community safety guidance, and fostering a culture of prevention.
The necessity of unifying the Arab human rights stance concerning attacks on civilians was stressed, along with the importance of engaging with the United Nations and international organizations to increase pressure for accountability. They called on the UN to initiate an independent investigation into attacks on Arab states and assess compliance with international law, urging the Human Rights Council to hold a special session on civilian protection in the region.
The assembly advocated for the immediate cessation of military escalation and a return to diplomatic solutions to ensure civilian security and regional stability. They emphasized advancing international accountability mechanisms to prevent impunity for any party involved.
The participants highlighted the importance of strengthening civilian protection measures in affected states, in line with international standards. This includes developing national emergency plans for missile or cross-border attacks, providing psychological and social support to affected populations, ensuring access to essential services, and facilitating the documentation of violations.
Eng. Ali Ahmed Al Derazi, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights in Bahrain and current Chairperson of ANNHRI, expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation, including missile attacks on several Arab nations, resulting in damage to residential areas and civilian casualties. He affirmed that these attacks are a direct threat to civilian security and violate international law principles, particularly those prohibiting the targeting of civilians.
Al Derazi praised the diplomatic efforts of Arab states in the UN Security Council to condemn the attacks and demand their cessation, emphasizing respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. ANNHRI expressed solidarity with affected Arab states and stressed the importance of a unified Arab stance against threats to security and territorial integrity.
Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, NHRC Vice Chairman, highlighted the challenging circumstances facing human rights institutions due to Iranian attacks, which blatantly violate the UN Charter. He confirmed that these attacks constitute full-scale aggression without ethical or legal justification and noted the establishment of a crisis cell by NHRC to monitor violations.
The NHRC condemned the deliberate targeting of critical civilian infrastructure and praised national authorities' rapid response, including early warning systems and comprehensive plans to protect lives and maintain vital services. The Committee warned of the risks of ongoing cross-border attacks exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable groups and threatening global food security.
HE Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, ANNHRI Secretary-General, stressed the urgent need for the Arab Network to play a more effective role in unifying human rights positions and coordinating diplomatic efforts regionally and internationally.
Dr. Abeer Al Khraisha, Director of the UN Training and Documentation Center for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region, highlighted the global economic and environmental fallout from the crisis, which has undermined regional peace and stability and compromised mediation and negotiation processes. The crisis's impact on civilians due to attacks on residential areas and essential services was also emphasized.