The deadly strike on the Shajare‑Tayebeh elementary school in Minab shocked the world and plunged countless families into mourning. In response, the United Nations Human Rights Council convened an emergency session on Friday, 8 Farvardin, March 28th, to examine the tragedy. Human‑rights Commissioner Volker Turk expressed “deep revulsion” at the attack and demanded a swift, transparent investigation by the United States, as well as an immediate end to all military actions in the region.
UN Human‑Rights Commissioner’s Condemnation
Commissioner Turk highlighted the urgent need to complete the ongoing U.S. investigations and to publish the findings publicly. He addressed both the United States and Israel, urging them to stop all attacks on Iran and calling on Tehran to cease any retaliatory strikes. Turk extended his “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims and reminded the assembly that international humanitarian law protects children, civilians, and non‑military infrastructure such as schools.
The Strategic Failure of Force
Turk warned that using force while diplomatic negotiations are underway constitutes a strategic failure with catastrophic consequences for civilians. “Bombs and missiles are not a path to peace; they only amplify grievances and fuel future violence,” he said. He condemned the broad U.S.–Israeli bombardments of densely‑populated residential areas and civilian facilities across Iran—including homes, hospitals, schools, courts, transport networks, and energy plants.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi Speaks
In the same session, Iran’s Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi described the Minab school attack as a deliberate war crime and declared that Iran is today the victim of an illegal war imposed by the United States and Israel. He pointed to the 28 February (9 Esfand 1404) launch of hostilities, noting that they began while Iran and the United States were still engaged in diplomatic talks over Washington’s alleged concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.
Araghchi lamented that the United States “betrayed diplomacy for the second time in nine months by breaking the negotiating table.” He emphasized the calculated, step‑by‑step assault on Shajare‑Tayebeh, which claimed the lives of more than 175 students and teachers, calling the act “purely intentional and ruthless.” He warned that this massacre is merely the visible tip of a far larger iceberg concealing deeper humanitarian violations and impunity for war crimes.
A Mother’s Heart‑Breaking Testimony
Mohadeseh Falahat, a grieving mother who lost both daughters in the Minab school attack, addressed the Council with a trembling yet resolute voice. She recounted the ordinary morning routine—preparing shoes, combing hair, packing backpacks—only to hear her children say, “Mom, see you after school.” That simple sentence now haunts her, replaying endlessly and “burning her heart with pain.”
Falahat described the cruel silence that follows a child’s smile when a mother is confronted with the impossibility of ever hearing, “Your child will never return.” Her testimony put a human face on the statistics and reinforced the urgent call for accountability.
International Reactions – Global Condemnation and Demands
Representatives from dozens of nations and regional bodies used the emergency session to voice unified condemnation and to demand an immediate stop to attacks on civilian targets. Their statements can be summarised as follows:
- European Union: Calls for an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructure; expresses sorrow for the children of Minab.
- Ethiopia: Deep concern over developments in West Asia; urges a swift halt to the war.
- Mexico: Condemns the brutal actions, including the school attack, and stresses the violation of human rights in the region.
- South Africa: Reminds all parties of their obligations under international law.
- Thailand: Expresses empathy for the victims and urges respect for international legal standards.
- Pakistan: Labels the incident historic; stresses the need for a lasting peace.
- Gambia: Reaffirms that schools must remain safe places for learning.
- Italy: Voices anger and grief over the killing of Minab’s children.
- Switzerland: Deeply concerned about the escalation and attacks on educational facilities.
- Kenya: Calls for restraint by all sides and emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy.
- Australia: Highlights concern for civilian casualties; calls attacks on schools depriving children of education.
- Ireland: Urges de‑escalation, protection of civilian infrastructure, and offers condolences.
- Russia: Attributes the hostility to U.S. aggression toward Iran and condemns the school bombing.
- Netherlands: Demands an immediate stop to attacks on civilian infrastructure and safe schools.
- Indonesia: Condemns the deliberate attack, drawing parallels with assaults in Gaza and Lebanon.
- Venezuela: Classifies attacks on schools as war crimes; holds governments responsible for protecting children.
- Colombia: Strongly condemns the strike and calls for punishment of the perpetrators.
- Iraq, Libya, Uruguay, Oman, Belarus, Maldives, and others: Echo the call for respect of international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and accountability for those responsible.
These statements illustrate a broad, unified denunciation of the Minab school bombing and a collective appeal for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian targets, as well as full compliance with international humanitarian standards.
Conclusion
The emergency UN Human Rights Council session amplified global outrage over the Minab school tragedy, spotlighting the urgent need for transparent investigations, accountability for war crimes, and an end to hostilities that endanger civilians and undermine international law. The world watches closely, hoping decisive action will prevent any recurrence of such a heartbreaking catastrophe.
✍️ by Ms. Fatemeh Sorkh Hesari
From: jahanbanou