Target: António Guterres, Secretary-General of United Nations
Goal: Reform security council to better address violations and threats posed by member nations.
If reports that an Iranian girls’ school was mistakenly targeted in U.S. military strikes are accurate, the 170 young people who perished in the blast will represent the largest civilian casualty toll from a singular American military campaign in decades. Up to 1,500 Iranians in total have been killed in the Iran War, with the largest percentage of those numbers representing civilians as well. The troubling statistics come in the wake of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s decision – despite strong warnings from top military officials – to gut the Pentagon’s Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. This center, which once employed over 200 individuals, was tasked with advising military command on how to limit civilian casualties during campaigns.
Secretary Hegseth has also severely slashed the number of military JAG (Judge Advocate General) officers, who are lawyers that evaluate the legal repercussions of missions. The trend is unsurprising, as Hegseth has repeatedly dismissed the rules of engagement that have guided military structure for decades as “stupid” and “woke.” Hegseth and his bosses instead seem more interested in treating war as a game and using active-duty military as personal GI Joes. America’s ally Israel has likewise been accused of misusing its military forces and violating rules of conduct, both in Iran and at home.
If the leaders of nations are not willing to investigate – and in many cases are apparently instigating and encouraging – alleged military misconduct, then the international community must take decisive action. Sign the petition below to demand the United Nations (UN) hold any and all members who violate its rules of engagement to full account.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary-General Guterres,
From the deaths of one Palestinian family to the deaths of dozens of Iranian schoolgirls, the traditional world order is eroding…and innocent civilians are paying the heftiest price. The security council’s concessions and inaction must end. No matter the nation and no matter that nation’s power and influence, alleged war crimes must be investigated, full sanctions must be levied, the International Criminal Court must be recognized by all members, selective veto powers must stop, and accountability must find its way. Otherwise, this international body is a hollow husk that represents and stands for nothing.
Enact the reforms (including expansion of permanent member status) long-sought for the UN Security Council. Restore the levers of stability and justice, and in the process return the United Nations to its greater mission.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ashraf Amra
