Iran’s Human Rights Headquarters Condemns “Terrorist” Attacks on Petrochemical Facilities
Tehran, Iran – The Human Rights Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as “terrorist and aggressive aerial attacks” by “Zionist and American forces” targeting critical petrochemical infrastructure. The statement denounces these actions as clear violations of international law, humanitarian principles, and the UN Charter.
Targeting Vital Infrastructure
The attacks, which reportedly struck key petrochemical facilities including those in the Mahshahr Special Economic Zone, Imam Khomeini Port, and various plants like Fajr 1 & 2, Rijal, and Abou Ali, have been labeled as egregious acts of aggression. The Iranian Human Rights Headquarters asserts that these assaults have resulted in casualties among industry workers and engineers, significant damage to industrial infrastructure, and disruptions to production processes, leading to severe humanitarian, social, and economic repercussions.
Violation of International Law
The statement emphasizes that the deliberate targeting of these industrial facilities, characterized as civilian and non-military, constitutes a blatant breach of fundamental humanitarian principles, particularly the distinction between military and civilian objectives. These installations are identified as vital infrastructure essential for societal survival and the fulfillment of basic needs. The attacks are portrayed not only as assaults on economic assets but as direct infringements on the lives, health, and security of citizens employed in these industries, with far-reaching detrimental effects on the entire society.
Undermining Economic Development
Furthermore, the attacks are seen as a direct assault on the Iranian nation’s inalienable right to sustainable development. The petrochemical industry is highlighted as a driving force of the national economy, a significant source of employment, and a cornerstone of the country’s non-oil exports. The destruction of these facilities is predicted to inflict irreparable damage on national investments, disrupt economic growth, hinder job creation, and lower public welfare. These actions are characterized as a clear violation of international economic law, which upholds national sovereignty in resource utilization. The long-term consequences of these attacks are predicted to extend to future generations, impacting their right to development and access to sustainable resources.
Call for International Accountability
The Human Rights Headquarters unequivocally deems these assaults a grave violation of the Geneva Conventions and a clear instance of war crimes. The intentional targeting of vital civilian installations is presented as an unforgivable crime under international humanitarian law, carrying significant international responsibility for those who planned and executed them.
The statement calls upon the international community, human rights organizations, and the United Nations to take immediate action. Iran’s Human Rights Headquarters urges for these attacks to be officially recognized as war crimes and for effective deterrent measures to be implemented to prevent their recurrence. The Headquarters asserts that silence in the face of such overt aggression not only undermines the credibility of human rights institutions but also emboldens aggressors to continue their actions.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its legal right to self-defense and expects the international community to fulfill its critical responsibilities regarding these illegal and anti-human actions.
