Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee - End impunity for violations of rules of war

In just the last month across the Middle East, thousands of civilians have been killed and injured. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, many multiple times. The numbers continue to rise and essential services are increasingly difficult to access. Health workers, hospitals and ambulances have been targeted. Schools have been struck. Civilian infrastructure – including bridges, residential buildings, houses, water facilities and power plants – has been destroyed. This leaves us especially concerned about women and children and others with specific needs. Global supply chains are also impacted, with food and fuel prices on the rise.

Our humanitarian colleagues have been caught up in the hostilities. This year alone, 14 aid workers have been killed or injured in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, eight in Iran and five in Lebanon. This is an alarming toll, not least for national staff and local organizations, working courageously on the humanitarian front lines every day.

We strongly condemn all attacks on civilians, including humanitarian and health workers, as well as civilian objects. We demand that all parties – whether Member States of the United Nations or armed groups – respect their legal obligation to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure. All violations must be met with accountability. 

Even wars have rules, and these rules must be respected.