Beirut: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has taken decisive action by deploying an independent assessment mission to Lebanon. This mission aims to gather information and evidence regarding alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by conflict parties since March 2, 2026.

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement on Tuesday comes in the wake of Turk's recent two-day visit to Lebanon. During his visit, he held discussions with key Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The discussions focused on the severe impact of the ongoing Israeli war and the overall human rights situation in Lebanon.

The UN Human Rights Office shared on the social media platform X that the mission is actively collecting data on alleged violations and abuses. However, specific details regarding the mission's scope, duration, or reporting timeline remain undisclosed.

On Monday, Turk highlighted that his office had documented significant violations of international humanitarian law in Lebanon, with some cases potentially constituting 'war crimes.' The conflict escalated after Israel launched a new offensive in early March, following Hezbollah's response to the Iran war.

Official Lebanese figures report that Israeli attacks since March 2 have resulted in 4,332 fatalities and 12,236 injuries. Israel maintains control over parts of southern Lebanon, with some areas occupied for decades and others seized during the previous conflict between October 2023 and November 2024.