OIC Human Rights Committee: Iran's Attack Violates International Law

Jeddah (ANTARA) - The Independent Human Rights Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed solidarity with the countries affected by Iran’s attacks and emphasised the importance of halting such attacks in accordance with international law. The OIC Human Rights Committee also welcomes the joint statement from the Arab-Islamic foreign ministers’ meeting in Riyadh on 18 March, particularly the emphasis on the importance of protecting civilians and complying with international law. Furthermore, the committee expressed concern over credible reports regarding the use of ballistic missiles and drones in attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure in several OIC member states, such as oil installations and water desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic facilities. The OIC body stated that the attacks by Iran constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, particularly with respect to the principle of proportionality and the prohibition on attacks against civilian objects. Attacks on vital infrastructure, including water and energy facilities, pose a major threat to human rights, including the right to life, the right to security, and the right to access basic services, and may result in significant humanitarian consequences. In this context, the OIC Human Rights Committee emphasised the importance of Iran complying with its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law, while ensuring the protection of civilians. The OIC Human Rights Commission also stressed the importance of accountability and efforts to prevent impunity, and encouraged independent and transparent investigations in accordance with international standards to ensure justice for the victims. The body stated that it will continue to monitor and record the human rights impacts of these attacks based on evidence-based methodology and called on affected OIC countries to provide reports and data to support its documentation efforts. The OIC Human Rights Committee affirmed that compliance with international law is essential to maintaining peace and security in the region and the world, as well as protecting human dignity.