[JURIST] Four human rights experts appointed by the United Nations [official website] are heading to the Middle East to investigate possible abuses during the recent Mideast conflict [JURIST news archive] between Israel and Lebanon. Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Representative on the human rights of internally displaced persons Walter Kälin, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health Paul Hunt and Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living Miloon Kothari will meet with government officials in those countries and visit areas where violence took place. The independent experts will submit their findings to the Human Rights Council [official website].

Earlier this month, the Council created a three-person panel [JURIST report] to look into Israel's conduct during the monthlong war. More than 850 Lebanese, mostly civilians, were killed during the conflict. Israelis have been accused of unlawfully targeting civilians [JURIST report] and have been warned along with Hezbollah guerrillas that they could be held liable for war crimes [JURIST report]. UN News Centre has more.