UN human rights chief Volker Turk urged an immediate return Tuesday to a ceasefire between Iran and the US as tensions escalate, warning that renewed hostilities are a “huge setback” for civilians and risk deepening regional instability, Anadolu reports.
“It undermines peace efforts and deepens instability, with grave risks for human rights across the entire region,” Turk said in a statement.
He said reported Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, reported US attacks against civilian infrastructure in Iran, and Iranian attacks against civilian objects in other countries in the region “must stop immediately.”
Turk urged all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian objects, and independently and promptly investigate alleged violations.
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The UN rights chief also described reports of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as “very alarming,” warning of human rights effects “far beyond the region.”
“It is a vital lifeline on which millions are reliant,” he said, adding that disruptions to food, medicine and necessary commodities have “severe socio-economic and humanitarian consequences” regionally and globally.
“Diplomacy, restraint, and de-escalation must be prioritised,” he said. “I urge an immediate return to the ceasefire between Iran and the US, and its implementation consistent with international law.”
The US has launched strikes on Iran in recent days over control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of all traded crude oil and natural gas passed in peacetime. Iran retaliated with attacks on Gulf allies of the US.
READ: UN chief warns of Middle East escalation, urges US, Iran to resume talks
