UN rights chief says office has documented possible war crimes during conflict in Lebanon

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Monday that the UN Human Rights Office has documented violations of international law committed during the conflict in Lebanon, adding that some of the alleged violations may amount to war crimes.

Speaking to reporters in Beirut following meetings with Lebanese officials, Türk said his office is documenting violations committed by all parties to the conflict while assessing whether widespread destruction and displacement could constitute international crimes.

He stressed the importance of protecting civilians, respecting international humanitarian law, and ensuring accountability for violations.

Türk also highlighted concerns over large-scale displacement and called for stronger Lebanese state institutions, improved prison conditions, the abolition of the death penalty, and accountability through both domestic and international legal mechanisms.

His visit comes amid ongoing discussions over security arrangements and stability in southern Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Türk and reaffirmed his government’s support for the continued collection and preservation of evidence relating to alleged war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.

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According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, included discussions on the work of a UN expert team preparing a report on alleged violations committed since October 2023.

The statement said Salam welcomed the team’s efforts to gather and preserve evidence that could be used in future accountability processes, emphasizing the importance of documentation by an impartial international body such as the United Nations.

According to the report, Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement on 26th  June providing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The agreement reportedly links the completion of the withdrawal to the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in evacuated areas and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.

According to Lebanese government figures, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have killed 4,328 people and injured 12,232 since the conflict escalated. Israel has said its military operations are aimed at addressing security threats posed by Hezbollah and other armed groups operating from Lebanese territory.

READ: Lebanese officials meet UN rights chief, back collection of evidence on war crimes