The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms calls for respect for the sovereignty of Arab states, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and prioritizing diplomatic solutions.

The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms is following with grave concern the developments related to the military escalation between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, and the resulting security and military tensions whose effects have extended, directly or indirectly, to a number of Arab states. This threatens to broaden the scope of the conflict and places the entire region at risk of unforeseen consequences.

While the Association affirms that the principle of respecting the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, and the inviolability of their borders is a peremptory norm of international law, any use of force or threat thereof that infringes upon the territory, airspace, or territorial waters of Arab states constitutes a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations and undermines the regional security system. Furthermore, transforming the territories of states into arenas of direct or indirect conflict is a serious infringement upon the right of their peoples to security, stability, and development.

The Association emphasizes that protecting the lives of civilians and safeguarding civilian infrastructure is an absolute legal and moral obligation incumbent upon all parties to the conflict without exception, and that the rules of international humanitarian law and The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution prohibit targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure or exposing them to risks disproportionate to any alleged military objective. They also prohibit targeting or damaging vital facilities that constitute the lifelines of the population, including hospitals, educational institutions, power and water stations, communication networks, and transportation systems.

The Association affirms that its declared position regarding these developments is consistent with its unwavering human rights stance in all similar cases, without selectivity or double standards. The Association previously condemned unequivocally any infringement upon the sovereignty of Arab states when Qatar was subjected to military strikes by Israeli forces. It affirmed then, as it affirms today, that respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-aggression against their territories or facilities is an indivisible principle, not subject to political considerations. The Association believes that realistic and responsible solutions do not lie in displays of force or exchanges of military strikes. The logic of unilateral deterrence does not achieve a sustainable interest for any of the conflicting parties; rather, it exacerbates crises, deepens divisions, and threatens regional and international security alike. The only path capable of sparing the region and the world further turmoil is the activation of international diplomacy and an immediate return to the negotiating table. Negotiation and joint action are essential to comprehensively and fairly address the root causes of regional crises.

The Association also emphasizes the importance of effective and urgent intervention by UN mechanisms to fulfill their mandate of maintaining international peace and security. This includes activating mediation and conflict prevention tools, dispatching fact-finding missions, and working through the Security Council, the General Assembly, and relevant bodies to reduce reciprocal violence and contain escalation before it spirals out of control.

The Association warns that continued escalation and the absence of sound political solutions could lead to an unprecedented expansion of the conflict, threatening to drag the world into a large-scale international confrontation with catastrophic consequences for all humanity.

Based on its human rights responsibility, the Association affirms the following:

First, full and unconditional respect for the sovereignty of Arab states and the inviolability of their territories, airspace, and territorial waters, and the prohibition of using their territories as staging grounds or platforms for military operations.

Second, an immediate cessation of any military operations that could expand the scope of the confrontation or drag the region into a comprehensive conflict.

Third, a strict commitment to protecting civilians and refraining from targeting them directly or indirectly, and ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to avoid loss of life or damage to property. Civilian Protection
Fourth: Refraining from targeting civilian facilities and vital infrastructure under any pretext and ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of essential services for the population.
Fifth: Enabling independent international investigative mechanisms to examine any allegations of serious violations of international law and holding those responsible accountable according to standards of justice and transparency.
Sixth: An urgent call to return to the negotiating table, activate international and regional mediation mechanisms, and work in a spirit of shared responsibility to find sustainable political solutions.

The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms calls on all parties to heed the voice of reason, appeal to human conscience, and prioritize the interests of the people over calculations of power, as protecting human beings and their right to life, security, and stability must remain the supreme objective, above all political or military considerations.