Latest news with #theUnitedNations
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean leaders renew call for Thailand, Cambodia to end hostilities
IPOH: Thailand and Cambodia have been urged to cease all hostilities and to settle any disputes peacefully. In a joint statement by Asean's Foreign Ministers, it said that the ongoing situation at the border between both countries was deeply concerning as it resulted in increasing number of casualties, destruction of properties and displacement of a large number of people. "We emphasise the need for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and undertake an immediate ceasefire, and refrain from taking any actions that may undermine it. "We further urge both sides to cease all hostilities, return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability, and settle disputes and differences by peaceful means, based on the principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia, the Asean Charter as well as the Charter of the United Nations, and in the spirit of Asean family, unity and good neighborliness," it said. "We remain supportive of the efforts of the Asean Chair in facilitating both sides to resume dialogue and end the fighting," it added.
Scoop
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Experts Condemn United States Attack On Iran And Demand Permanent End To Hostilities
GENEVA (26 June 2025) – UN experts* today unequivocally condemned the recent United States military attack against three nuclear facilities in Iran. 'These attacks violate the most fundamental rules of world order since 1945 – the prohibition on the aggressive use of military force and the duties to respect sovereignty and not to coercively intervene in another country,' the experts said. 'The responsible U.S. political and military leaders may also be liable for the international crime of aggression.' 'The attacks also seriously threatened human rights, including the rights to life, security of the person, health, a clean environment and self-determination of the people of Iran,' they said. The U.S. launched 75 munitions by air and sea against the facilities at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, causing extensive damage. Iran retaliated against a U.S. base in Qatar, causing no injuries or damage. A fragile ceasefire now appears to be in place. Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations prohibits the threat or use of force against any state, except in self-defence or if the Security Council approves. Self-defence is only available in response to an actual or imminent armed attack by another country. 'Iran has not attacked the U.S. or Israel with a nuclear weapon. There is no evidence whatsoever that Iran intends to imminently attack the U.S. or Israel with a nuclear weapon.' 'Preventive' or 'anticipatory' self-defence against speculative future threats, such as nuclear proliferation or terrorism, has not been permitted by international law since the United Nations Charter was adopted 80 years ago. 'Accepting preventive self-defence would unleash a catastrophic era of 'might is right', where powerful countries could bomb others to advance their security or foreign policy interests. This would fuel corrosive suspicion, 'arms races' and destabilising 'balance of power' alliances – precisely what the post-1945 order, out of the ashes of a world war, aimed to avoid,' they said. 'It would further destabilise the Middle East region and increase the risk to human rights everywhere.' The experts affirmed the view of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that nuclear facilities must never be attacked as doing so could cause the release of radioactive material with devastating impacts on the environment and human rights, including the rights to life, personal security, health, protection against arbitrary displacement and the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities. International humanitarian law generally prohibits attacks on nuclear facilities. 'We urge all parties to refrain from further uses of force and to commit to the peaceful settlement of international disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, including through the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA and with respect for the human rights of all people,' they said. 'The timing of the strikes undermined peaceful diplomatic efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as well as peace and security in the region and beyond,' the experts noted. 'In a world experiencing deep economic crisis, and as members of an international community that is committed to peace, we believe that financial resources mobilised for military aggression should be utilised to foster peace-making and development,' they said. 'These attacks by the U.S., a permanent member of the Security Council responsible for maintaining international peace and security, normalises violent aggression and 'gunboat diplomacy' as a tool of statecraft and severely undermines the international rule of law,' the experts warned. 'At a time of crisis for multilateralism, all countries should oppose such lawlessness and pressure the U.S. and Israel to respect the universal rules of humanity.' *The experts: Ben Saul, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran; Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in person, especially women and children; Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery; Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstić, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls; George Katrougalos, Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes; Attiya Waris, Independent Expert on foreign debt, other international financial obligations and human rights; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967; Gabriella Citroni, (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan; Bina D'Costa (Chair), Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent; Ashwini, K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences; Alena Douhan, Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights; Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues; Cecilia M. Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity; Surya Deva, ; Heba Hagrass, .
MTV Lebanon
26-06-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Guterres says UN's founding principles under "unprecedented attack"
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday condemned unprecedented "attacks" on the principles of the United Nations, in a speech marking the 80th anniversary of the signing of the organization's founding charter. "Let us be clear: today, we are witnessing attacks on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations on an unprecedented scale," Guterres told member states. He pointed to "the threat or use of force against sovereign states, violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, the exploitation of food and water, and the erosion of human rights," without naming any party responsible for these violations. Guterres continued, "We are also observing a familiar pattern: adhering to the Charter when it suits us, and ignoring it when it doesn't. The UN Charter is not optional. It is not an a la carte menu."
The Wire
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
BRICS, With India on Board, Expresses ‘Grave Concern' Over Strikes on Iran
New Delhi: The ten-member BRICS bloc of emerging economies, which includes India, has expressed 'grave concern' over the recent military strikes on Iran, describing the attacks as violations of international law and the UN Charter. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday (June 25) by Brazil's foreign ministry, BRICS called on all parties to pursue diplomatic engagement and de-escalation. Brazil currently holds the rotating presidency of the bloc and is scheduled to host the annual BRICS summit next week. Earlier this month, India had disassociated itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which had strongly condemned Israel's military action on Iranian territory. However, there has been no indication so far that India has objected to or distanced itself from the BRICS statement. The current round of hostilities began on June 13, when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations, reportedly killing nuclear scientists and senior Iranian officials. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, followed by reciprocal strikes from Israel. The exchange continued over ten days, before the US joined the conflict, striking three Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Iran launched a symbolic missile attack on a US air base in Qatar. A ceasefire was later announced by US President Donald Trump and remains in effect. 'We express grave concern over the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since June 13, 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East,' the BRICS statement said. The bloc also voiced 'serious concern over any attacks against peaceful nuclear installations that are carried out in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency'. It stressed that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be upheld 'even in armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm'. Highlighting the 'urgent need to break the cycle of violence and restore peace', BRICS warned that rising tensions in the region carry 'unpredictable consequences for international peace and security, as well as for the world economy'. The statement reiterated the bloc's support for diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges and urged all sides to 'engage through existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy, with a view to de-escalating the situation and resolving their differences through peaceful means'. Besides India and Brazil, the BRICS grouping comprises Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. The statement reaffirmed the bloc's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all UN member states and called for efforts to prevent a further deterioration of West Asia's security environment. 'We stress the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law, and of ensuring the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities,' it said. BRICS also reiterated its support for the establishment of a West Asia free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. On Tuesday, India had welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, as well as the role played by the US and Qatar in facilitating it, while stating that it remained 'deeply concerned' about the overall prospects for regional peace and stability. Following the US strikes on Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, conveying 'deep concern' over the escalating situation and calling for 'immediate de-escalation' through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi's statement steered clear of any condemnation of the US strikes. The Iranian embassy in New Delhi posted a statement on Wednesday that expressed 'heartfelt gratitude to all noble and freedom-loving people of India' that 'stood firmly and vocally with the great nation of Iran'. 'Once again, we express our sincere appreciation for the genuine and invaluable support shown by the people and institutions of the great nation of India,' it said on X.
DW
22-06-2025
- Politics
- DW
Iranian nuclear program 'devastated'— US defense secretary – DW – 06/22/2025
US Secretary of Defense Hegseth called strikes on Iran that included 14 bunker-busting 30,000-pound bombs an "overwhelming success." Iran's top diplomat defended the country's right to "a legitimate response."US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday called military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities "an incredible and overwhelming success" that had "obliterated Iran's nuclear ambitions." Hegseth said neither Iranian troops nor civilians had been targeted in the US operation. Just hours after the airstrikes on Iran, Hegseth echoed President Trump, claiming the US "seeks peace." He went on to say, "We will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners or our interests are threatened." Hegseth praised Trump for the operation, which he said had been months in the making: "The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world should listen." Iranian media have reported "massive" blasts in the southern city of Bushehr, home to Iran's only nuclear reactor. Iranian authorities have not yet reported any problem at the plant, which is operated with Russian assistance. The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear. China's Foreign Ministry has criticized the US attacks on Iran, saying they "escalate tensions in the Middle East" and go against the UN Charter. Among other things, it said it condemned the targeting of nuclear facilities supervised by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "China calls on all parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible," the ministry said in a statement. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that the US attacks on nuclear sites were the result of an "irresponsible" decision that goes against international law. "The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb attacks, whatever the arguments it may be presented with, flagrantly violates international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council," the ministry said in a statement. "We call for an end to aggression and for increased efforts to create conditions for returning the situation to a political and diplomatic track," the ministry said. Bahrain and Kuwait, both of which host US military bases, have begun preparing for the possibility of military attacks in their countries after US forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran previously pledged to target US military bases in the region in retaliation for any attacks. Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet, while Kuwait is home to several key US bases. On Sunday, Bahrain's Interior Ministry advised drivers to avoid main roads, and nearly two-thirds of government employees were instructed to work from home. "In light of recent developments in the regional security situation, we urge citizens and residents to use main roads only when necessary, to maintain public safety and to allow the relevant authorities to use the roads efficiently," the Interior Ministry wrote on X. Kuwait has set up numerous shelters in a sprawling ministerial complex. Earlier this week, Bahraini authorities announced the activation of a national civil emergency plan and conducted air-raid siren testing across the country. Middle East security analyst Giorgio Cafiero on Sunday told DW that there has been "a lot [of] talk about how Iran was going to retaliate against countries in the neighborhood that possibly played a role in facilitating the US strikes." But Cafiero pointed out that the US bombs were not launched from any country in the region or flown through their airspace — delivered instead directly from the US via bomber and from a nearby submarine — which means Iran's neighbors might be spared. "I don't think Iran would consider lashing out against a country in the region," Cafiero said. Germany's ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, has reiterated calls for a hostage deal and an end to the war in Gaza following the return to Israel of the body of a German-Israeli killed and abducted in the Hamas-led militant attacks of October 7, 2023. The dead hostage, Shay Levinson, a soldier, was just 19 years old when he was killed in the attack. "I just spoke to his father; our hearts are with his family and all others waiting for their loved one's return," Seiffert wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "There must be a deal to get them out and end this war," he wrote. Before becoming ambassador, Seibert, a former TV journalist, was the spokesman for the German government under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Iran's foreign minister will travel to Moscow on Sunday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin the next day, he announced from Turkey. "I'm going to Moscow this afternoon" and will hold "serious consultations with the Russian president tomorrow" morning, Abbas Araghchi said at a press conference in Istanbul on the sidelines of a summit for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has responded to calls from Britain and the EU to return to negotiations by saying Iran had never left them. "Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy. What conclusion would you draw?," he wrote, in reference to Friday negotiations with the UK, France and Germany. "To Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must 'return' to the table. But how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?" The Israeli military says it has recovered the remains of three hostages killed and abducted during the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. It identified them as Yonatan Samerano, 21, Ofra Keidar, 71, and Shay Levinson, 19, giving their ages at the time of their deaths. The remains were discovered on Saturday in a coastal area of Gaza during a joint special operation by the military and the domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet, the Israeli army said. The families of the dead hostages were informed after the remains were identified by forensic examination, the army reported. During the attack, the militants killed 1,200, mostly civilians and abducted 251 people. Hamas is still holding some 50 hostages, less than half of whom are believed to be still alive. Israel's subsequent offensive on Gaza has so far killed over 55,000, according to figures provided by health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave, which the United Nations considers reliable. Just hours after the US announced that it had attacked three nuclear sites in Iran, effectively joining Israel, digital alerts sounded in Israel, followed by air raid sirens warning of incoming missiles. In a large underground car park in central Tel Aviv, many people had slept there overnight in small tents pitched on the fourth underground floor. Others made their way to the shelter from the neighborhood. "I think we all waited for Trump to help us. I thought it would take more time, but here they are actually helping us now,' said Gabi, 32, who declined to give her last name. 'I feel safe here. I don't feel anxious, and we can't hear much down here." However, he admitted that the conflict had now moved in an unknown direction. "You can see on people's faces that they are worried. But I hope this will bring about change for the people of Iran too." Dakar Levi has also been sleeping in a small tent provided by Brothers in Arms, an organization that has set up the space as a shelter. She feels that this conflict is much more destructive than previous ones with the militant group Hamas in Gaza or the Lebanese group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Some missiles have evaded Israel's defence shield and hit residential areas, leaving a trail of destruction. "I think it was supposed to happen a long time ago, but I think our defence wasn't good enough to fight all those missiles. Now we have the defence, and this has to end. They have said for a long time that they want to destroy the Jewish state." Levi hopes that the US joining Israel in attacking Iran might shorten the conflict. If not, she is prepared to stay for weeks to come. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday called a meeting of the government's security cabinet following the US attacks on Iran. According to his spokesman, Stefan Kornelius, Merz also urged Iran "to immediately start negotiations with the US and Israel and come to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict." Kornelius said the German government believed that "large parts of the Iranian nuclear program had been affected by the airstrikes," but added that a precise analysis of the damage would be possible later. The US has bombed three of the Islamic Republic's key nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz, following Israeli strikes on Iran which have lasted for over a week, prompting a war between the two countries. The attack on the underground fuel enrichment site at Fordo used so-called bunker-buster bombs that are designed to penetrate into the ground before detonating, US media reported. The US is the only country with military capability of dropping the weapon. The US attacks came after a week of open conflict between Israel and Iran triggered by Israel's June 13 launching of attacks against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Iranian facilities were "completely and fully obliterated" in the attacks, claims that have yet to be verified. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has confirmed the attacks, but insisted its nuclear program will not be stopped. The US, Israel and several other countries have often expressed fears that the Islamic Republic is developing nuclear weapons, though Tehran has always denied the accusations. Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog agency, the IAEA, said there were no immediate signs of radioactive leakage at the three locations following the strikes. Iran launched several waves of missiles against Israel following the attacks. There have been mixed reactions to the attacks from other countries, with several calling for a return to diplomacy rather than military action. The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has called on all sides in the US-Israel-Iran conflict to resume negotiations, while insisting that international security would be under threat if Iran developed a nuclear weapon. Kallas, who is also a vice-president of the European Commission, said in her post on X, formerly Twitter, that the EU's foreign ministers would hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the current situation. "Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security. I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," she wrote.
