UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: "What I saw in Lebanon is shocking... the destruction is widespread and the suffering is worsening... and what we have documented may amount to war crimes"

Türk stressed: "I was shocked by the scale of the widespread destruction and worsening suffering that I saw. The shock, frustration, and despair are palpable, but so too is the demand for justice that I heard clearly." He added that one victim who lost his mother and brother in an Israeli airstrike on his family home in Beirut told him: "Even from this darkness, there is an opportunity; we are mobilizing our efforts in a way we have never done before through documenting violations," stressing his solidarity with all victims and affirming that his team continues to document the human cost of the hostilities.

He continued: "The ongoing Israeli airstrikes, shelling, and use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas have caused heavy civilian casualties and left widespread destruction and mass displacement. Rocket fire by Hezbollah toward populated areas in Israel has also caused civilian injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure."

He noted that "my office has recorded widespread violations of international humanitarian law, some of which may amount to war crimes, and in certain circumstances may also constitute crimes under international law." He also pointed out that entire villages south of the Litani River had been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable as a result of Israeli strikes and demolition operations.

He expressed concern about the future of civilian protection in the south as the mandate of UNIFIL nears its end, saying: "Israeli forces still occupy large areas of Lebanese territory in the south, and I am concerned that the overall conduct that has led to widespread displacement and denial of return may amount to international crimes."

He revealed that an independent and impartial assessment mission, announced last June in coordination with the Lebanese government, had begun fieldwork to gather information and evidence on alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law since March 2.

On the domestic human rights situation, Türk stressed the importance of strengthening protections for marginalized groups, saying: "I hope to see further progress in decriminalizing same-sex relations." He also called for improving conditions in prisons and detention centers, and welcomed a draft law abolishing the death penalty, expressing hope that parliament would adopt it swiftly.

Regarding the Beirut port explosion, he said: "In just a few days, the families of the victims of the Beirut port explosion will mark the sixth anniversary of this tragic event. Justice must be delivered for the victims and those responsible must be held accountable."

He argued that reconstruction should not be limited to the logistical aspect, but should instead constitute an opportunity to rebuild trust between the state and its citizens, saying: "The social contract will have to be rebuilt so that the dignity and rights of all communities in Lebanon are respected, and so that the state is able to protect their rights and provide the services, security, and safety they need."

Responding to a question about practical measures to deter violations, Türk explained: "The protection of civilians is the highest priority, and the responsibility lies first and foremost with the parties to the conflict, in this case Israel and Hezbollah, as they must respect international humanitarian law." He added that the role of the United Nations is limited to "monitoring, documentation, and reporting," and that these efforts form the basis for any future accountability process.

He concluded by affirming that his office continues to monitor developments in Lebanon according to a rigorous verification methodology, expressing hope that the anticipated negotiations would lead to de-escalation and respect for international law, and reaffirming the United Nations' continued support for Lebanon in strengthening and protecting human rights.