We, the undersigned human rights organizations, humanitarian organizations, civil liberties organizations, religious and environmental groups, thought leaders, and experts, are deeply alarmed by the serious threat made on April 7th by President Trump against Iran, stating that “an entire civilization will die tonight” if his demands are not met. Such statements suggest a grave atrocity if carried out. Threatening to “annihilate an entire civilization” may constitute a genocidal threat, defined by international law as committing acts with the intent to “destroy, in whole or in part, a national, racial, or religious group.”
International law clearly states that civilians should not be targeted, and they must be protected from indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks. Strikes on civilian infrastructure—such as the recent attack on a bridge, or potential strikes on power plants that President Trump has repeatedly threatened to destroy—have devastating consequences for civilian populations and the environment.
We urge all parties to respect international law. Individuals responsible for atrocities, including crimes against humanity and war crimes, can and must be held accountable.
The signatories remind individuals engaged in military operations that they have a duty to refuse any order that is clearly illegal. Anyone issuing orders to execute President Trump’s hateful threats, carrying them out, or being complicit in any other way, must be held accountable.
[Context: This article outlines the concerns of numerous human rights and humanitarian organizations in response to President Trump’s threat against Iran.] [Fact Check: The list of organizations and individuals provided after the main text is included to show the extensive support and signatories backing the statement.]
