Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates affirmed its full and legitimate right to respond to Iranian aggression, in accordance with international law. It also affirmed that this right guarantees the protection of its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
Official condemnation before the Human Rights Council
This came in a statement delivered by Shahd Mattar, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, during the UAE’s participation in the UN Human Rights Council. She explained that the UAE has been subjected to attacks by ballistic missiles and drones since February 28. These attacks targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure within the country.
She noted that the attacks resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to 58 others. She also asserted that this aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and a clear disregard for the principles of international law and the UN Charter.
Refusal to expand the scope of the conflict
The UAE reiterated its firm rejection of using its territory as a platform for settling scores or expanding conflicts in the region. It strongly condemned the attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and several other Arab states. The UAE also emphasized its full solidarity with its sister nations in confronting any threat to their security and stability.
A call for dialogue and restraint
Matar called for prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions as the best way to maintain the region’s security and stability. She noted that the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities. She explained that the attacks targeted not only the country but also international principles themselves. Therefore, a clear international stance against them is necessary.
