In a critical statement released on Monday, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran teamed with the Special Rapporteur on Iran to press for enhanced protection of civilians amidst ongoing hostilities. The call underscores a growing concern over the Iranian government's commitment to international law, particularly in safeguarding non-combatants from the horrors of armed conflict.

The statement outlined significant deficiencies, including the lack of effective warning systems and the scarcity of bomb shelters, which leave civilians perilously exposed to aerial attacks. Furthermore, the proximity of prisoners to bombing sites has sparked fears about their safety, compounded by restrictions on internet and communication platforms which severely hamper emergency coordination and contact with loved ones.

Adding to the urgency, UN officials raised alarms over the broad categorization of national security offenses leading to the arbitrary arrests of activists, journalists, and Afghan nationals on dubious espionage charges. This has intensified concerns about due process and fair trials amid Iran's alarmingly high execution rates.

The report also criticized some Israeli military actions, suggesting possible deliberate targeting of Iranian civilians. Incidents highlighted include deadly rocket attacks on a Tehran residential complex that killed several, including humanitarian workers, and strikes on vital health facilities. This accusation extends to an Israeli assault on the headquarters of Iran's state broadcasting agency and the targeted elimination of Iranian scientists, activities that sharply contravene international humanitarian principles.

Central to these concerns is the principle of distinction, a cornerstone of international humanitarian law as outlined in Article 48 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. This principle mandates that all parties in conflict must consistently differentiate between civilians and combatants, focusing their military efforts solely on legitimate military targets. Iran is a signatory to this protocol, and while Israel has not ratified it, it recognizes the principle as fundamental.

The ongoing conflict has wreaked havoc on civilian populations in both Iran and Israel, with countless individuals suffering from continuous drone and missile barrages. A recent condemnation by a group of UN experts on June 20 decried Israel's aggressive actions as severe violations of international law, emphasizing that such hostilities undermine the foundational principles of international order, including the sovereign equality of states and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

As the international community watches closely, the UN's call for Iran to step up its efforts in protecting civilians is a poignant reminder of the dire humanitarian stakes at play in this escalating regional conflict. The plea for adherence to established international norms comes as both a demand for immediate action and a beacon of hope for a return to diplomacy and peace.