The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday adopted a resolution by consensus, condemning Iran’s recent military strikes against Gulf states and Jordan at its 44th meeting of the 61st session.

The UNHRC denounced the attacks as “egregious,” “unprovoked and deliberate”, and demanded that Tehran provide full and prompt reparations to victims.  The decision came during an urgent session convened in Geneva as the regional conflict entered its fourth week, raising escalating humanitarian, legal, and economic concerns.

The 47-member Council endorsed a motion introduced by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, which called on Iran to “immediately and unconditionally cease all unprovoked attacks”. The nations also expressed grave concerns over strikes targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure, including ports, energy facilities, and airports. The resolution also tasked the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with monitoring the situation and reporting on developments.

Diplomats from affected states raised concerns about the impact of the attacks on regional and international security. Jordan’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ambassador Akram Al-Harahsha, condemned the strikes as a “flagrant breach of international law” and an assault on state sovereignty, affirming solidarity among Arab states. Kuwait’s ambassador, Naser Abdullah Alhayen, similarly warned that Iran’s conduct undermines international legal order, while the United Arab Emirates accused Tehran of pursuing destabilizing “expansionist” policies.

Iran’s ambassador, Ali Bahreini, in response, framed the conflict as acting against a threat linked to Israel and warned that failure to confront it now would have wider consequences.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that since the start of hostilities, Iran has launched large numbers of drones and missiles at military bases, residential areas and energy infrastructure across Gulf states and Jordan, causing civilian casualties and widespread damage. According to figures cited during the session, approximately 1,500 people, including 300 children, have been killed in Iran amid the ongoing conflict, with additional casualties reported across the region.

Türk warned that attacks on infrastructure and disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are having far-reaching global consequences. The interruption of maritime traffic has delayed critical supplies such as fuel, food, medicine and fertilizers, destabilizing global markets and disproportionately affecting lower-income countries.

Additionally, the Council also agreed to hold a separate urgent debate on 27 March regarding the airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran. Requested by Iran, China and Cuba, the discussion will focus on the protection of children and educational institutions in armed conflict.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a separate statement, while addressing the broader crisis, described the situation as “out of control” and urged all parties to halt hostilities and pursue a diplomatic resolution.

Earlier in March, the UN Security Council had also adopted a resolution which condemned the attack on Gulf states. The experts highlighted the violation of international law, particularly Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of other states. The African Union Commission had likewise expressed “deep concern” over attacks on infrastructure and threats to civilian safety, warning of risks to foreign nationals and regional stability.

However, civil society organizations like The International Service for Human Rights cautioned against selective condemnation.  It urged the Council to scrutinize violations by all parties, emphasizing that accountability must be applied consistently.