Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations, Ali Bahreini, said at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council that his country accepted the ceasefire due to its regional peace responsibility.
Bahreini defended Iran's military response as legitimate self-defense under international law. He also demanded accountability, compensation and justice for those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Spoke at the 62nd session in Geneva
Bahreini stated at the session held in Geneva on June 15 that Iran accepted the ceasefire despite intense pressure and threats. In his speech, he said his country took this step for regional peace and collective security.
The representative explained that following the attacks on Iran, a prolonged threat environment emerged in the country. He said the Iranian people live under direct attacks or the threat of new attacks and blockades.
Iran defended its response to the attacks
Bahreini said Iran's military response targeted the areas from which the attacks originated and that this is considered within the inherent right of legitimate self-defense recognized under international law. He stated that the response aimed to neutralize an ongoing and imminent threat.
In his speech, he claimed that Iran came under airstrikes, some officials were targeted, and children were also affected. He stated that Iran responded to protect civilians and its territorial integrity.
Demand for compensation and justice follows ceasefire
The Iranian representative said the ceasefire was accepted for regional peace and security despite its flaws and subsequent challenges. He stressed that the end of the conflict should mark the beginning of a new accountability process.
Bahreini stated that effective redress, appropriate compensation, rehabilitation and reparation steps must be taken for the victims and their families. He said these steps are essential both to address the consequences of past violations and to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The speech also included criticism that the attacks on Iran raised questions about the consistency and impartiality of the international human rights system. Bahreini argued that the distinction between victim and aggressor among the parties to the conflict has become blurred.
