Published on: 2026-07-28
Source: United Nations – Объединенные Нации –
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27 July 2026 International Law
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has concluded his official visit to Lebanon. At a press conference in Beirut, he noted that due to the situation involving the USA, Israel, and Iran, Lebanon has once again been drawn into an escalation of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, resulting in devastating consequences for the population.
According to local authorities, since March 2nd, more than 4,300 people have died in Lebanon and over 12,200 have been injured, including more than 135 medical workers and numerous journalists among the deceased.
Despite the ceasefire agreement of April 17 and negotiations, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon continue to cause civilian casualties. Hezbollah’s attacks on Israeli settlements also result in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
“The [Human Rights Office] has recorded widespread violations of international humanitarian law, some of which may qualify as war crimes,” said Türk.
According to him, entire villages south of the Litani River have been destroyed, and schools, hospitals, and infrastructure have been demolished. This year marks the end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Tuerk noted, expressing concern about the protection of civilians in the south of the country.
He also reminded that the UN Human Rights Office has sent an independent assessment mission to Lebanon, the establishment of which was announced in June. It is already working on the ground and collecting evidence of human rights and humanitarian law violations since March 2, 2026. Turk also noted the active involvement of civil society in documenting the violations.
During his visit, the High Commissioner held meetings with the president, prime minister, and other senior officials, as well as representatives of civil society. He called for the protection of the rights of refugees, migrants, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people with disabilities, highlighting the difficulties in evacuating the latter during hostilities.
Turk welcomed the reforms to strengthen the independence of the judicial system, called for attention to be paid to prison conditions, and supported the bill to abolish the death penalty, the adoption of which would make Lebanon the first country in the region to abolish the highest form of punishment.
In conclusion, Türk emphasized that the country’s recovery requires a renewal of the social contract and strengthening the connection between the state and all citizens.
“The social contract will need to be restructured so that the dignity and rights of all Lebanese communities are respected, and so that the state can protect their rights and provide them with the necessary services, security, and protection,” Tuerk said.
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