Turk: Lebanon violations may be war crimes
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his shock at the extent of destruction and suffering in Lebanon, emphasizing that the violations documented by his office could amount to war crimes under international law. During his two-day visit, he met with Lebanese officials and heard testimonies from displaced persons and representatives of human rights organizations. He pointed out that Israeli airstrikes and continuous shelling using explosive weapons in populated areas have resulted in casualties, widespread destruction, and mass displacement. He confirmed that these violations could rise to the level of war crimes, warning of the consequences of the UNIFIL mandate ending for the protection of civilians, as the Israeli occupation of some Lebanese territories in the south continues. This occupation hampers the return of residents and provides cover for international crimes. He called for the reconstruction of the social contract in Lebanon and for respect of its sovereignty. He also welcomed the proposed law to abolish the death penalty, which could make Lebanon the first country in the region to do so.
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