By Adla Massoud
NEW YORK - Perpetrators of human rights violations in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict must be held to account, the UN said on Friday, adding that independent investigations are vital.
UN Human Rights Office spokesman Jeremy Laurence cited the destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and places of worship, that has left many without inhabitable homes to return to in Lebanon.
“Rule of law and accountability for human rights violations are critical for the prevention of violations and renewed conflict, as well as for building and sustaining peace and inclusive development,” Mr Laurence said in a statement. “Human rights must be at the front and centre of this next phase.”
He also highlighted the plight of displaced people on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, and the “enormous numbers” of people forced to flee their homes due to the conflict.
Mr Laurence called on Lebanon’s political leaders to set aside their differences and act in solidarity for the well-being of the “deeply traumatised” population, and on the international community to also provide support.
