A panel of United Nations experts has called for an urgent international investigation into a deadly attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran that killed 165 people, most of them young students.
According to the experts, the strike took place on February 28, when missiles hit a school building in the city of Minab during school hours. The attack reportedly left a large number of children dead, with most of the victims said to be girls between the ages of seven and twelve.
The UN experts said the incident raises “the most serious concerns under international law,” emphasizing that educational institutions and children are protected under international humanitarian law.
In their statement, the panel stressed that schools are considered civilian objects and must not be targeted in armed conflicts.
Seven UN experts noted that children have explicit protections under international humanitarian law and that attacks on educational institutions represent a grave violation if confirmed.
They urged that the incident be “urgently, independently, and effectively investigated,” adding that those responsible for any violations must be held accountable.
The experts also highlighted the devastating human impact of such attacks, particularly when children are among the victims.
“Conflict Steals Girls’ Futures”
The panel described the killing of students inside a classroom as one of the most disturbing consequences of armed conflict.
“The killing of girls in a classroom is among the most flagrant examples of how conflict can steal girls’ futures in an instant, extinguishing not only young lives, but also the hopes, agency, and opportunities education makes possible,” the experts said in their statement.
They emphasized that education is not only a fundamental right but also a crucial foundation for stability and development in societies affected by conflict.
The call for an investigation comes amid increasing global concern about civilian casualties in conflicts across the Middle East and other regions.
Human rights organizations and international bodies have repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting civilians, particularly children, in war zones.
Attacks on schools and educational institutions have long been considered among the most serious violations in armed conflict due to their devastating long-term consequences for communities.
The UN experts stressed that credible and transparent investigations are essential to establish what happened in the Minab attack and determine responsibility.
They urged authorities and international institutions to ensure that any potential violations of international law are addressed and that justice is pursued for the victims and their families.
As investigations are demanded, the attack has also renewed broader debates about the protection of children in conflict zones and the urgent need to safeguard schools from violence.