UN Warns Middle East Strikes on Civilian Infrastructure Raise Legal Concerns

Recent attacks have targeted key infrastructure in several countries, including Iran, where a water desalination plant and fuel facilities were hit over the weekend.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has raised alarm over the escalating humanitarian and environmental consequences of the widening Middle East conflict, warning that attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas are putting millions of lives at risk across the region.

Türk said the intensifying strikes—many targeting essential services such as water systems, hospitals, schools, cultural sites and energy facilities—could have devastating long-term impacts on civilians and the environment.

“The strikes against vital civilian infrastructure in the Middle East – as well as the widening geographic spread of strikes – are further increasing risks for populations across the region, and beyond,” Türk said.

“Under the laws of war, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all costs. All parties are bound by these rules, and must be held to account if they do not.”

Strikes on Water and Energy Infrastructure Raise Health Risks

Recent attacks have targeted key infrastructure in several countries, including Iran, where a water desalination plant and fuel facilities were hit over the weekend.

The strikes reportedly caused oil to spill into streets, igniting fires along drainage systems.

On Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province, damage to a desalination plant disrupted water access for at least 30 villages, raising urgent humanitarian concerns.

Following the attacks, Iran’s Red Crescent Society warned that rainfall in the affected areas could become dangerously acidic due to airborne pollutants, potentially causing chemical burns and respiratory damage.

“I am deeply worried about the health and environmental consequences people will suffer as a result of these oil fires, including acid rain contamination,” Türk said.

Questions Over Compliance with Laws of War

Türk warned that the foreseeable civilian and environmental impacts of the attacks raise serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of proportionality and precaution.

“These impacts warrant careful legal scrutiny,” he said.

Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the region.

In Bahrain, a desalination plant that provides crucial drinking water supplies was reportedly damaged during recent strikes.

Türk warned that a cycle of retaliatory attacks targeting essential infrastructure could dramatically worsen the humanitarian situation.

“This apparent tit-for-tat dynamic, involving essential infrastructure with extremely significant civilian impacts, will only increase risks for civilian populations more broadly,” he said.

Global Economic and Humanitarian Ripple Effects

The conflict is already producing far-reaching global consequences, including disruptions to trade, energy supplies and migrant livelihoods.

Thousands of migrant workers in Gulf countries have become increasingly vulnerable, with some reportedly killed or injured while others are unable to leave affected areas.

The crisis also threatens remittance flows, which many families in developing countries depend on for survival.

Meanwhile, the sharp drop in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, is disrupting global supply chains.

The slowdown is affecting access to:

• Energy supplies

• Food shipments

• Fertilizer deliveries

These disruptions are expected to hit low-income and vulnerable countries particularly hard, while rising oil prices could worsen economic instability in countries already facing high debt levels.

Türk said the crisis underscores the urgency of accelerating global investment in renewable energy to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel supply routes.

Concerns Over Repression and Free Expression

The UN human rights chief also warned about reports that some governments are detaining or intimidating people for expressing opinions about the conflict.

He reminded states that international human rights law guarantees freedom of expression, even during times of crisis.

“States are reminded of their obligation under international human rights law to respect and protect people’s right to freedom of expression – particularly in times of crisis,” Türk said.

He called for the immediate and unconditional release of anyone arbitrarily detained for expressing views related to the conflict.

Call for Protection of Civilians

Türk urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize civilian protection, warning that continued escalation could destabilize the entire region.

“The world is watching,” he said.

Human rights experts warn that without urgent efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian infrastructure, the conflict could produce long-term humanitarian, environmental and economic consequences far beyond the Middle East.