UNICEF on the situation surrounding Iran: Targeting civilians and  civilian objects is a violation of international law

ArmInfo. Targeting  civilians and civilian objects, including schools, is a violation of international law, as noted in the statement issued by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in response to the Israeli strike on  a girls' school in Minab,  Iran.

UNICEF noted that the escalation of military tensions in the Middle  East marks a dangerous moment for millions of children in the region.  "UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports of strikes in Iran and across  the region, illustrating the grave danger to children," the UN  Children's Fund stated.  The organization noted that " there are  reports of schools being struck in Iran, including a girls' school in  Minab in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. Scores of students are  reportedly killed and many others injured." 

In this regard, UNICEF supported the call of the UN Secretary-General  Antonio Guterres for an immediate cessation of hostilities and  de-escalation. The organization also called on the parties to  exercise maximum restraint and uphold their obligations under  International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights  Law (IHRL), including the protection of the fundamental principles  necessary for the survival of civilians and children.

"Targeting civilians and civilian objects, including schools, is a  violation of international law. UNICEF, together with other UN  agencies and humanitarian partners, is actively assessing the  situation and stands ready to scale up support to affected children  and their families as needed and requested," the organization  concluded.