Heads of UN agencies call for accountability for violations of international law by parties in the Middle East region

ME News message: On April 11 (UTC+8), leaders of multiple United Nations agencies called for an end to the widespread impunity for violations of international law across the Middle East region. In a joint statement, the leaders of various countries expressed shock at the continued violations of the laws of war and international humanitarian law in the region, emphasizing, “Even in war, there are rules, and these rules must be respected.” The statement said that just last month, the Middle East region saw the deaths and injuries of thousands of civilians, with hundreds of thousands displaced—many of whom were forced to move multiple times. The statement urged all parties—including United Nations member states and armed groups—to fulfill their legal obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and that all unlawful acts must be held to account. (Source: MLion)