HCHR_ The full text of letter by Seraj to the U.N. high commissioner is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Mr. Volker Türk
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,
I condemn with the utmost regret and deep concern the military attack on the Fordow nuclear facility by the United States of America in the morning of 22 June 2025 and recall that this action is a flagrant violation of the principles of international law, including Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations prohibiting the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of States, and lacks any legal legitimacy.
Furthermore, this military attack is an unprecedented and flagrant violation of international human rights and international humanitarian law, which has had widespread humanitarian and environmental consequences. Among the prominent violations of human rights and humanitarian law are
1. Violation of the right to life and personal security: The bombing of nuclear facilities poses a serious threat to the lives of personnel and residents of the surrounding areas, which are protected by Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The threat to the lives of civilians and the destruction of vital facilities have jeopardized the fundamental right to life.
2. Violation of the principle of distinction: Under the regulations of international humanitarian law, in particular the four Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols, armed forces are required to distinguish between military and civilian targets. Targeting civilian nuclear facilities, especially in circumstances where there is no direct and immediate threat to the aggressor state, violates this fundamental principle of humanitarian law.
3. Violation of the principle of proportionality and prevention of widespread, unnecessary and long-term damage: An attack on nuclear facilities could have harmful and long-term consequences for the environment, public health and the lives of future generations, which is a clear violation of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and Article 8 of Additional Protocol I to the four Geneva Conventions.
4. Violation of the prohibition on the use of weapons and measures that cause disproportionate civilian casualties: Based on Articles 35 and 51 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, an attack on sensitive nuclear facilities, given the risk of radioactive radiation and widespread contamination, could constitute a violation of the prohibition on the use of methods and means of warfare that cause disproportionate civilian casualties.
5. Violation of the right to access to medical care and health protection: This attack has disrupted vital infrastructure and public health and jeopardized people’s access to health services, which is a violation under article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
In addition, this military aggression is in direct conflict with the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the obligations of Member States to respect human rights law and humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and could constitute a clear example of war crimes under the jurisdiction of competent international courts.
On the other hand, the lack of an effective reaction by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the past aggressions of the Zionist regime, as well as to this blatant aggression and widespread violation of international law, has not only affected the legitimacy of the United Nations, but has also had negative consequences for the maintenance of international order and security and respect for human rights and humanitarian law.
Accordingly, I request Your Excellency, while issuing a formal and transparent condemnation of this illegal act, to take the following immediate measures:
• Condemn the attack carried out by the United States on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran in an explicit and transparent manner;
• Establish an independent and impartial investigation committee to thoroughly examine the legal and humanitarian dimensions of this attack;
• Hold the perpetrators, facilitators and supporters of these illegal actions legally accountable and introduce the aggressor to competent international institutions;
• Utilize all the capacities of institutions, international human rights mechanisms and responsible countries to stop the machine of war, killing and terror;
• Apply diplomatic pressure and take preventive measures to prevent the repetition of such gross violations;
• Ensure the protection of the victims and provide grounds for compensation for the damages suffered.
The lack of accountability for such crimes, at a time when the world is increasingly emphasizing the principle of accountability and combating impunity, will not only undermine the fundamental principles of human rights, but will also seriously harm the ideals, values and lofty goals of the international community.
It is hoped that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, by playing its decisive and responsible role in this crisis, will be able to fulfill its important duty in the best possible way in maintaining peace, security, and fundamental human rights.
With respect and best wishes for Your Excellency's success in carrying out the important mission of defending human dignity
Naser Seraj
Secretary General of the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran