The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will hold a second urgent debate on Friday over a deadly strike on a school in southern Iran, following its recent condemnation of Tehran’s attacks on neighbouring Gulf countries.
Council president Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro announced the session on the “protection of children and educational institutions in international armed conflicts” during a briefing on Wednesday. The debate was requested by Iran, China, and Cuba and concerns an airstrike on a school in Minab on February 28, the first day of the conflict.
According to preliminary findings from a US military investigation reported by The New York Times, a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.
Iranian diplomat Somayeh Karimdoost addressed the council, describing the attack as “a grave breach of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.” She said the strike killed 168 children aged seven to twelve and wounded many others.
“All three countries requesting the debate expect the matter to receive the urgent and serious consideration it warrants within this council,” Karimdoost added.
The UNHRC, which had recently concluded a first urgent debate linked to the Middle East conflict, approved the holding of the second debate Friday without a vote.
Wednesday’s earlier debate, requested by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan, focused solely on Iran’s strikes on countries in the Gulf region and their impact on civilians. The 47-member council approved by consensus a resolution condemning Iran’s egregious attacks and called for swift reparation for all victims.
The upcoming session is expected to examine the responsibilities of parties in conflict zones to protect children and educational institutions, highlighting concerns about civilian safety and adherence to international humanitarian law.
