Rwanda has called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement following what it described as Iranian military actions against several Middle Eastern countries. Speaking during an urgent debate at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, told the Council that Rwanda is "deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation in the Middle East." He said Rwanda "reaffirms that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the respect f

Rwanda has called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement following what it described as Iranian military actions against several Middle Eastern countries.

Speaking during an urgent debate at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, told the Council that Rwanda is "deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation in the Middle East." He said Rwanda "reaffirms that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, are a fundamental obligation under international law." Tubanambazi said Rwanda supports a resolution before the Council, "as it underscores these essential principles. We stress that its implementation must contribute to de-escalation with ceasefire efforts and a pursuit of sustainable peace, prioritized by all parties concerned." He also called for immediate measures to protect civilians and preserve critical infrastructure. "Rwanda calls for an immediate de-escalation, a cessation of hostilities, and urgent measures to protect civilian populations, preserve vital infrastructure, and ensure the safety of economic and maritime goods," Tubanambazi said.

Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor at the Rwandan embassy in Geneva, delivered the statement at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday, March 25. /The New Times

The delegation urged the protection of key maritime and economic routes and expressed solidarity with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan in pursuing a peaceful resolution. The statement highlighted the strategic importance of maritime routes for global trade, particularly energy supplies. Rwanda’s position aligns with its support for the Responsibility to Protect, a United Nations framework adopted in 2005 that calls on the international community to act when populations face serious harm.

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