Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 6, 2026 Peace and security
Violence in the Middle East is escalating, with several countries in the region reporting attacks and retaliatory strikes, raising concerns about the conflict's expansion, deepening instability, and worsening humanitarian conditions. UN agencies warn that the crisis is affecting at least 16 countries, with increasing civilian casualties, displacement, and damage to vital infrastructure.
Children are the main victims of the conflict
Amid ongoing strikes in Iran, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported dire consequences for children. According to available data, approximately 180 children in Iran have been killed, and many more have been injured. Among the dead are dozens of schoolgirls who were attending classes at the primary school in Minab, which was hit by the attack.
UNICEF also documented damage to at least 20 schools and 10 hospitals across the country. The organization reiterates that children, schools, and medical facilities are protected by international humanitarian law and calls on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for a "prompt, transparent, and impartial" investigation into the attack on a primary school in southern Iran. Speaking to journalists in Geneva, he emphasized the need for immediate verification of the facts and for those responsible to be held accountable. According to Türk, the lack of access to the scene and the internet shutdown are seriously hampering information gathering.
Türk noted that respect for international law is key to preventing further escalation and protecting civilians, especially children, who are already suffering disproportionate losses. The High Commissioner called for de-escalation of the conflict, which, he said, is spreading "like wildfire."
Escalation of the situation in Lebanon
The situation in Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating following a series of intense airstrikes and widespread Israeli evacuation orders affecting much of the country's south. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Israeli forces have ordered residents of areas south of the Litani River, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and parts of the Bekaa Valley to immediately vacate their homes.
These orders triggered large-scale displacement, with families fleeing amid heavy traffic, taking only the bare necessities. Nearly 100,000 people are currently housed in collective centers, while others are seeking refuge with relatives or heading to safer areas in northern Lebanon. Schools, universities, and sports facilities are serving as temporary shelters. Humanitarian organizations are stepping up their assistance to Lebanese in need.
Disruptions to shipping
The IOM warns that disruptions to maritime routes caused by the escalating crisis in the Middle East have already led to increased shipping costs and delays for humanitarian cargo. Anne-Kathrin Schäfer, IOM Deputy Director for Humanitarian Response and Recovery, reported that instability in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is forcing shipping companies to impose "emergency surcharges" of approximately $3,000 per container.
These additional costs and delays are impacting the delivery of critical supplies – from tents to solar lamps – to humanitarian operations in the region and beyond.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's key maritime corridors, handling nearly a fifth of global oil trade and significant volumes of commercial cargo daily. Any disruption to shipping in this narrow passageway immediately impacts energy markets and global supply chains, increasing transportation and insurance costs.
For humanitarian organizations dependent on fuel and shipping, instability in the Strait of Hormuz – coupled with tensions along the Red Sea shipping routes – means slower delivery of vital aid and higher costs for operations around the world.
Lack of funding
Amid growing needs, UN humanitarian agencies are facing a serious funding shortfall. IOM Representative in Lebanon Matthieu Luciano emphasized that funding is "dramatically inadequate" compared to the scale of needs on the ground.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recalls that even before the war began, it estimated its humanitarian needs for this year in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan at $454 million. To date, only 15 percent of this amount has been raised.
Humanitarian consequences
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher also warned that the widening conflict in the Middle East threatens serious humanitarian consequences far beyond the region.
According to him, there are disruptions on key sea routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, could lead to higher food prices, increase the burden on health systems and hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters in New York on Friday, Fletcher noted that huge resources were being diverted to fighting the war while international aid budgets were being cut.
"We need de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities, genuine dialogue and negotiations in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Common sense must prevail," he said.
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