UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, in his opening speech at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said the war in the region targets not only military and diplomatic balances but also the right to life, security, and dignity of millions of people.
Türk welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran, which foresees an immediate and lasting ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for new negotiations. However, he stressed that at this fragile stage, the parties must implement the agreement swiftly and in good faith.
The agreement is seen as the first significant diplomatic milestone toward ending the war that began in February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which caused thousands of deaths and major shocks in energy markets.
Emphasis That Regional Crisis Won't End Solely With Washington-Tehran Accord
Türk stated that the crisis cannot be resolved solely through the Washington-Tehran agreement. His speech highlighted Israel's attacks on Iran, operations in Lebanon, Hezbollah's cross-border attacks, and ongoing destruction in Gaza.
The UN High Commissioner also expressed concern over Israel's attacks on settlements and infrastructure in Lebanon, seen as the most significant obstacle after the agreement. He called for an immediate halt to hostilities, Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and investigations into alleged violations of international law.
Warning of Severe Violations in Gaza and the West Bank
Türk devoted the harshest part of his speech to Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Since the ceasefire declared in October 2025, approximately one thousand Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, most of whom are civilians, he said.
He stated that Israeli authorities are increasingly confining Palestinians to a shrinking area, restricting vital aid, deepening the humanitarian disaster. In the West Bank, he noted the acceleration of violence by Israeli military and settlers, destruction, land seizures, and de facto annexation processes.
He recorded that dozens of Palestinians have been killed, hundreds detained, and many land confiscation orders issued in the West Bank this year. According to Türk, some senior Israeli officials discussing the complete displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and eliminating the possibility of a viable Palestinian state reflects a completely illegal approach.
Call for Investigation Findings on School Attack in Minab
Türk also renewed his call for the US to publicly release investigation findings regarding the attack on the Shaceretü’t-Tayyibe Girls’ Primary School in Minab on February 28, which resulted in many children's deaths.
He gave special attention to new war technologies in his speech. He said the use of drones and autonomous weapons in conflict zones such as Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo has created a new hellish cycle for civilians.
Calling on states to take the legal and moral consequences of these technologies seriously, Türk stated that autonomous weapons cannot authorize anyone to commit atrocities. He emphasized the need for human control, accountability, and updating the framework of international law.
Appeal to G7 Leaders to Prioritize Human Rights
The speech was delivered on the same day as the G7 summit began in Évian-les-Bains, France. Türk addressed the G7 leaders gathered across Lake Geneva, urging them to place human rights at the center of their discussions as a fundamental force for stability and progress.
The G7 agenda includes the Iran war, Ukraine, Gaza, artificial intelligence, energy security, and global economic imbalances. The 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council will continue in Geneva until July 7.
The session is expected to focus on regional ceasefire efforts following the US-Iran war, the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, Israeli military presence in Lebanon and Syria, autonomous weapons, and the erosion of international law.
