Geneva, Switzerland – The United Arab Emirates affirmed its categorical rejection of any justifications issued by the Iranian government regarding the aggressive escalation against the countries of the region.
It stressed that these justifications are nothing but attempts to mislead the international community.
Therefore, they aim to justify its treacherous and illegal attacks on the UAE and the countries of the region.
It also noted that targeting civilians and civilian facilities constitutes a grave violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Moreover, it undermines international efforts aimed at establishing security and stability in the region.
This came in a statement delivered by Jamal Al-Musharakh, the Permanent Representative of
the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.
He spoke during the interactive dialogue session with the Special Rapporteur on
the situation of human rights in Iran and the International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran.
This was before the Human Rights Council at its current session in Geneva.
Security Council Resolution 2817
Al-Mashrakh added that these treacherous attacks, which have continued for seventeen days against the UAE, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states,
and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, have been met with strong condemnation from the international community.
This happened through the historic Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by 136 UN member states.
As a result, this resolution demands that Iran immediately cease these attacks.
It states that these actions constitute a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.
Additionally, the resolution demands that Iran immediately and unconditionally cease all provocations
and threats against neighboring countries, including those carried out through its proxies in the region.
Therefore, the resolution sends a clear and unified message that the international community
will not tolerate attacks on the sovereignty of states or the deliberate targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure.
A dangerous precedent…and retaliatory strikes
The resolution affirms that Iran bears full responsibility for all damages
and losses incurred by the affected countries as a result of its unlawful armed attacks.
It notes that despite the sincere and responsible efforts exerted by the UAE and other countries in the region
until the very last moment to avert war, Iran chose to isolate itself from its neighbors.
Al-Mashrakh emphasized the UAE’s categorical rejection of the characterization of these attacks as “retaliatory strikes” in the report of the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission.
He explained that this characterization lacks any legal or factual basis and provides unjustified cover
for acts of aggression that are unlawful under international law.
Furthermore, he stressed that any attempts to characterize or justify these attacks under any pretext constitute a dangerous precedent
that contravenes the rules of the international order based on respect for the sovereignty of states.
A blatant violation of state sovereignty
He added that the Iranian attacks on the UAE constitute a grave violation of human rights and a blatant, unjustified act of aggression against the UAE,
undermining the international community’s efforts to maintain international peace and security.
He called on the Human Rights Council to fulfill its responsibilities in characterizing these violations in a manner
that reflects their true nature and gravity, consistent with the provisions of international law and established facts.
He noted that these attacks targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of seven people and injuries to 145 others,
in flagrant violation of the state’s sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Al-Mashrakh emphasized that these attacks jeopardize the security of residents and citizens,
threaten regional stability, the safety and security of international navigation,
and global supply chains, in addition to their direct impact on the global economy, which is linked to the region’s security and stability.
Adherence to the right of self-defense
In closing, Al-Mashrakh emphasized that the UAE affirms its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity,
and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents, based on its right to self-defense in accordance with international law and Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.
It is worth noting that the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran is one of the independent mechanisms of the Human Rights Council,
tasked with monitoring the human rights situation in Iran and submitting periodic reports and recommendations to the Council.
Furthermore, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran was established by a Council resolution to investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran, collect relevant evidence and information, and document them.
