STATEMNENT BY GRACO AND GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORS ON UNITED STATES TOMAHAWK MISSILE STRIKE ON SHAJAREH TAYYEBEH GIRLS SCHOOL IN MINAB, IRAN

We the undersigned civil society organizations under the umbrella of the Global Human Rights Monitors have been closely watching the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its devastating impacts on unarmed civilians across the theatres of the war. For us, one of the most tragic and condemnable incidents of this war is the bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, Iran on March 3, 2026. Emerging evidence points to the fact that the projectile deployed in the bombing was a United States Tomahawk missile. The missile hit the school leading to the death of 168 pupils, while an estimated 100 were left with injuries. This specific case, as well as other incidents of mass atrocities should outrage the conscience of all of humanity.

In line with our commitment to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the fundamental rights of all members of the human family, Global Human Rights Monitors unequivocally condemns this bombing, which has led to the loss of the precious lives of young scholars who were in the school compound to learn and prepare themselves for a bright future through access to education. Global Human Rights Monitors is of the firm conviction that this incident should not be swept under the carpet. Urgent and decisive steps should immediately be taken towards ensuring accountability and remedial action. We make no mistake about the fact that killing of innocent pupils through a missile strike on a school compound constitutes a war crime. Global Human Rights Monitors Coalition therefore calls for a comprehensive investigation with a view to holding all actors in this war crime accountable for their actions. The world owes it to these girls; collectively, justice must be pursued for these young scholars, whose lives were cut short as a result of a war crime.

This Coalition also believes that after the facts of this atrocity have been established, all families, which lost their children and loved ones as a result of this strike should be adequately supported and compensated. This Coalition advocates this line of action in the belief and conviction that the right to life, is sacred and inalienable. Every human being’s right to life, irrespective of race, gender or religious creed, cannot be taken away under any guise. Even in armed conflict, the right to life be protected by the international community, the State and society.

We strongly believe that the excuse of armed conflict cannot be used to undermine this human right, be it in times of peace or during wars. These perspectives are adequately reflected in international human rights instruments. Specifically, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights is quite clear that everyone has “the right to life, liberty and security of person.” As such, any act of aggression, which deprives innocent civilians of the right to life constitutes a grave breach of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and a serious violation of International Human Rights Law (IHRL). The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly educational institutions, is strictly prohibited under established legal frameworks governing armed conflict.

The Global Human Rights Coalition is also clear that the protection of children in armed conflict is firmly grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 6(1) recognizes that “every child has the inherent right to life.” Article 6(2) obligates States to ensure “to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child.” Article 38(1) requires States to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law applicable to children. Article 38(4) mandates that States take “all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by armed conflict.” For us therefore, the missile strike on the Minab School, which resulted in verified mass child casualties, represents a direct violation of these provisions and undermines globally accepted norms protecting children’s rights.

Furthermore, there is clarity in the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949): Article 27, which provides that civilians are entitled to respect for their persons and protection against acts of violence or threats thereof. Article 32 prohibits acts causing physical suffering or extermination of protected persons.

In cases of armed conflicts, the Additional Protocol I of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1977) reinforces these protections: Article 48 establishes the principle of distinction, requiring parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Article 51(2) prohibits acts or threats of violence intended to spread terror among civilian populations. Article 52(1) protects civilian objects, including schools, from attack. The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution are cornerstones of international humanitarian law. The Global Human Rights Coalition is therefore of the considered perspective that any military strike, which fails to adhere to these principles, constitutes a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Moreover, the Safe Schools Declaration underscores the global commitment to protecting education during armed conflict. It calls on States and armed actors to: avoid using schools for military purposes, protect educational facilities from attack, and to ensure the continuity of education even in conflict settings. Therefore, a military strike, which hits a school building is not only a violation of civilian protection norms but also a direct assault on the future of affected communities.

The Global Human Rights Monitors similarly recalls the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which further reinforces the obligation to protect women and girls: Article 3 mandates States to ensure the full development and advancement of women and girls. General Recommendation No. 30 emphasizes the need to protect women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations. These obligations are important for all state parties because girls in conflict zones face compounded risks, including loss of access to education, exposure to violence, and long-term socio-economic marginalization. Attacks on schools therefore disproportionately affect girls and undermine global efforts toward inclusive development.

Moreso, under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): Article 8(2)(b)(i), it is clearly spelt out that a war crime is the intentional targeting of civilians. Article 8(2)(b)(ii) criminalizes attacks against civilian objects, including educational institutions. Where such acts are established, they may give rise to individual criminal responsibility, requiring international mechanisms to ensure accountability.

In light of the foregoing, Global Human Rights Coalition is deeply concerned by; the increasing vulnerability of children in the Middle East conflict zones, the erosion of global norms protecting civilians, the targeting of schools and educational environments, the broader implications for peace, security, and human rights globally. The scale and nature of the reported casualties demand urgent international attention and response. Therefore, the Global Human Rights Monitors call on the international community, including the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and relevant stakeholders to:

1. Investigate and hold accountable responsible actors: Establish an independent, transparent, and impartial international investigation and ensure full accountability for perpetrators, in accordance with international laws
2. Protection of Civilians: Strengthen enforcement of international humanitarian law obligations and prioritize the protection of children and civilian infrastructure
3. Justice and Reparations: Provide adequate compensation to affected families and ensure rehabilitation and psychosocial support for survivors
4. Prevention and Global Commitment: Reinforce adherence to international treaties and conventions and strengthen global efforts to protect education and uphold children’s rights in conflict

For us, the Minab School bombing represents a profound humanitarian tragedy and a stark reminder of the urgent need to uphold international laws and protect the most vulnerable in times of conflict. Children must never be casualties of war. Their protection is not only a moral imperative but a binding legal obligation under international law. Global Human Rights Monitors further urge the United Nations, relevant Special Rapporteurs, treaty bodies, and international human rights organizations to take decisive steps to ensure that justice is served and that such grave violations do not recur. At a time when global peace and security are under increasing strain, the international community must reaffirm its collective responsibility to uphold the rule of law, protect the most vulnerable, and ensure that impunity does not prevail. The lives and dignity of children must never be collateral in armed conflict. Global Human Rights Monitors stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and affected communities, and reiterates its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights globally.

Signed:

Mr. Armsfree Ajanaku

 Executive Director, Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO) and Lead Convener, Global Human Rights Monitors