Responding to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the USA and Iran to end a months-long war that spilled into neighbouring countries, killing more than 6,000 people across the Middle East and rattling the global economy, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:
“US and Iranian officials have signed a deal to end a war that began with unlawful US-Israeli attacks in violation of the UN Charter and triggered unlawful acts by the Iranian authorities, sparking months of devastating civilian suffering and violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes.“This news will bring a glimmer of precarious relief to millions across the region who have been living in limbo for the past four months. But to ensure a sustainable, enduring end to the hostilities any deal signed must go beyond safeguarding strategic and military interests of the US and Iran and must centre the protection of human rights, accountability, and justice and reparations, including guarantees of non-repetition, for victims of crimes under international law. A framework agreement that temporarily halts fighting but ignores human rights risks becoming a shield behind which impunity, occupation and repression continue indefinitely.
