Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations, Ali Bahreini, addressed the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Bahreini said Iran accepted the ceasefire out of its responsibility for regional peace.
The representative defended Iran's military response as legitimate self-defense under international law. He also demanded accountability, compensation and justice for those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Statement at the Geneva session
Bahreini stated at the session in Geneva on June 15 that Iran accepted the ceasefire despite intense pressure and threats. In his speech, he said this step was taken for regional peace and collective security.
The representative also said that a prolonged threat environment emerged in the country after the attacks on Iran. He said the Iranian people were living under direct attacks or the threat of new attacks and blockades.
Emphasized legitimate self-defense
Bahreini said Iran's military response was directed at the areas from which the attacks originated and was considered within the natural right of legitimate self-defense recognized under international law. He said the response aimed to neutralize an ongoing and imminent danger.
In his speech, he asserted that Iran came under airstrikes, some officials were targeted, and children were also affected. He stated that Iran responded to protect civilians and its territorial integrity.
Call for compensation and justice
The Iranian representative said the ceasefire was accepted for regional peace and security despite its flaws and the subsequent difficulties. He stressed that the end of the conflict should mark the beginning of a new accountability process.
Bahreini said effective remedy, appropriate compensation, rehabilitation and reparations steps must be taken for the victims and their families. He said these steps are necessary both to address the consequences of past violations and to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The speech also included criticism that questions arose about the consistency and impartiality of the international human rights system following the attacks on Iran. Bahreini argued that the distinction between victim and aggressor among the parties to the conflict has been blurred.
