Implied norms are generally expected to be observed in any war between countries.
These are primarily recognised as humanitarian law or the “laws of armed conflict”. They are designed to limit the harmful effects of armed conflict, protect non-combatants and prevent unnecessary pain and anguish to the defenceless.
Of utmost importance is that warring parties should always distinguish between civilians and soldiers. There should always be a clear line between attaining military objectives and inflicting civilian casualties.
Air and missile strikes that result in the loss of civilian life are prohibited and cannot be justified in any way. Civilians not directly involved in fighting must never be targeted.
Safe zones like hospitals and schools must be protected, and humanitarian aid – including food and water – must remain accessible to civilians.
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Most importantly, civilians must be allowed to leave areas of conflict safely. Nothing should stand in their way.
The missiles that reportedly hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, killed many believed to be students. The final death toll from the Minab attack stands at 16–180 people, most of them girls aged seven to 12. At least 95 others were wounded.
In a statement released on social media, Unesco expressed deep alarm at the impact of the military attacks. It noted that pupils in a place dedicated to learning are protected under international humanitarian law, and that attacks against educational institutions endanger students and teachers and undermine the right to education.
Unesco joined a host of bodies from across the UN system, including Secretary General António Guterres, to condemn the military attacks, as well as Iran’s retaliatory strikes that have hit several countries in the region. UN News
The killing of non-combatants, particularly children, is horrifying, reprehensible and goes beyond the norms of human decency.
The sanctity of life – especially that of a child – must be protected at all costs, even in war. All countries are morally obligated and legally responsible under international law to safeguard schools and hospitals and protect civilians, including journalists and humanitarian aid workers.
Every child deserves to live and learn in peace, and to be afforded the basic protections in life. It is a fundamental human right.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 1989. Its 54 articles protect the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of everyone under 18.
This landmark covenant clearly sets out the protection of children from harm. It is widely regarded as the most extensively ratified human rights treaty in history.
All countries are duty-bound to uphold it.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
