UN Human Rights chief warns of escalating crackdown in Iran amid conflict

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was “appalled that – in addition to the already severe impact of the conflict – the Iranian people continue to be deprived of their rights.”

At least 21 people have been executed and more than 4,000 people arrested on charges related to national security since late February, according to the human rights office, OHCHR. Those executed included people associated with the protests, suspected members of opposition groups, and people accused of espionage.

Mr Türk stressed that even during times of war, fundamental protections must be upheld.

“In times of war, threats to human rights increase exponentially,he said, adding that core rights such as protection against arbitrary detention and the right to a fair trial “must be respected absolutely, at all times.”

Stop execution, ensure due process

The High Commissioner called on authorities to “halt all further executions, establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, fully ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained.”

OHCHR warned that Iran’s use of broad national security charges has put many people – including children – at risk.

Reports of torture, coerced confessions, and denial of legal representation have raised serious concerns about due process.

Detainees also face harsh conditions, with overcrowding, a lack of basic supplies and limited access to medical care. That Imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi’s health is reportedly deterioratingwhile other detainees died in custody under circumstances indicating possible torture.

Internet shutdown

Authorities have also imposed one of the longest internet shutdowns in the world, cutting off access for 61 days, making it one of the longest and most severe shutdowns ever recorded.

“This means losing public access to important information, silencing independent voices, and causing enormous social and economic losses.Mr. Türk said.

“This worsens an already precarious humanitarian and economic situation and must be eliminated immediately.”

Children in Lebanon are caught in a crisis

The loss of life resulting from the conflict is also clearly visible in other areas of the region. In Lebanon, children continue to bear the brunt of instability and displacement, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).UNICEF) on Wednesday.

The agency warned that children with disabilities face increased risks during the crisis, and noted that more than 38,000 people are receiving support through national disability assistance programs supported by partners.

Among them are 12,000 families – including 17,500 children – who have received urgent cash assistance.

“Children in Lebanon need more than just a break in hostilities,UNICEF said. “They need stability, protection, and opportunities to continue growing, learning, and dreaming.”

Aid workers killed

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating, with more and more aid workers being injured or killed.

United Nations Aid Coordination Office, Ochaciting reports that three civil defense rescue workers were killed in southern Lebanon when two attacks hit a building in the Tire district, as emergency teams responded to casualties from the previous attack.

“This incident underscores the risks faced by civilians, including emergency and humanitarian personnel,” said OCHA. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), attacks on health services have risen to 149 since the start of the conflict, resulting in 100 deaths and 233 injuries.

Israel’s new transfer order

Meanwhile, displacement continues to increase. On April 29, Israeli authorities issued a new evacuation order south of the Litani River, affecting 16 areas and directing residents to move to Saida.

Women and children remain particularly affected, with reports of increased psychological distress and increased risk of gender-based violence, especially in overcrowded shelters.

As financial resources dwindled, some families abandoned rented accommodation and returned to collective shelters, OCHA said.

Attacks continue in the south

Speaking in New York, UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFILE) recorded 81 shooting incidents on Tuesday by Israeli forces originated south of the Blue Line or within its area of ​​operations.

Peacekeepers also observed projectile interceptions and several artillery and mortar attacks in southern Lebanon.

Challenges to mission operations also remain. The UNIFIL patrol was blocked twice by Israeli tanks in the Al Mansouri area before being allowed to continue, Dujarric said.

“We urge everyone to comply with the cessation of hostilities,he added.

Gaza relief operations are under pressure

In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, hostilities continue to disrupt humanitarian operations.

OCHA reports that attacks in Gaza continue to impact residential areas and critical infrastructure. A recent airstrike reportedly hit NGO workers at a water well in Gaza City, killing one person and wounding four others.

Operations have also been suspended at the Al Mansoura water filling station, where two drivers working with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) were killed earlier this month.

Humanitarian activists warn that current arrangements are expensive and unsustainable. Around 60 percent of families still lack access to clean water.

OCHA emphasized that point Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under international humanitarian law.