As part of its ongoing efforts to document, legally assess, and pursue international accountability for grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law resulting from the recent military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV) held an international expert meeting on 21 June 2026 entitled “Examining the Legal, Political and International Implications of the 40-Day War (‘Ramadan War’) with a Focus on the Role and Position of Non-Governmental Organizations.”
The meeting brought together a number of academics and experts in the fields of international law, human rights, international relations, and public diplomacy, including Dr. Alireza Deihim, Chairman of the Board of the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence; Dr. Mohammad Reza Dehshiri, Dean of the School of International Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hamid Ahmadi, Director General for Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Jabbar Aslani, Visiting Professor at Shahid Motahari University; and Dr. Mahmoudreza Golshanpazooh, human rights researcher and member of the Organization’s Board of Directors. In addition, Professor Emily Crawford, Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney, and Professor Oliver Boyd-Barrett, a distinguished scholar of media studies and international relations, shared their views with participants through exclusive video messages prepared for the event. The meeting was moderated by Mahdi Mohebirad, Chief Executive Officer of the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence.
At the opening of the meeting, Mahdi Mohebirad outlined the objectives of the event and presented a report on the Organization’s activities during the 40-day war. He emphasized the importance of supporting non-governmental organizations in documenting human rights violations and conveying the voices of victims to international forums.
Dr. Alireza Deihim then examined the legal dimensions of the 40-day war, explaining the distinction between international humanitarian law and the law governing the use of force. Referring to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s communications with the United Nations Security Council, he assessed the legal arguments advanced by the United States and Israel and underscored the importance of utilizing international legal mechanisms to clarify the dimensions of the aggression and challenge attempts to legitimize conduct that violates international law.
Dr. Mohammad Reza Dehshiri focused on public diplomacy and the battle of narratives, highlighting the importance of proactive and effective storytelling in the international arena. He stressed the role of diplomatic institutions, media outlets, and civil society organizations in shaping global public opinion and presenting Iran’s perspective on the conflict and its consequences.
In the international segment of the meeting, Professor Emily Crawford addressed the role of international humanitarian law in contemporary armed conflicts through her recorded video message. She explained the fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality, warned against the growing disregard for humanitarian norms, and emphasized the vital role of civil society organizations in collecting evidence, documenting violations, and advancing international accountability processes.
Professor Oliver Boyd-Barrett examined the conflict from the perspective of media and public opinion. Drawing on the concept of “Manufacturing Consent” and the distinction between “worthy” and “unworthy” victims, he argued that mainstream Western media frequently adopt selective approaches to reporting international conflicts, often influenced by geopolitical considerations. According to him, these media outlets frequently overlook the humanitarian dimensions of wars and the suffering of civilians while reproducing the official narratives of Western powers. He further challenged claims portraying Iran as a nuclear threat, arguing that such allegations lack an objective evidentiary basis. Referring to reports by U.S. intelligence agencies, inspections conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the official positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, he described these claims as part of a broader political and media-driven narrative. In his view, mainstream media have increasingly become instruments for shaping and directing public opinion rather than institutions dedicated to uncovering the truth.
Hamid Ahmadi, Director General for Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented an overview of the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Iran in the field of human rights during the 40-day war. He emphasized the importance of systematic and professional documentation of human rights violations in accordance with international standards to ensure their admissibility and effectiveness within international human rights and legal mechanisms.
Dr. Jabbar Aslani focused on the phenomenon of “lawfare” and the growing role of law, media, and public opinion in contemporary conflicts. He warned that certain international actors seek to justify human suffering and violations of international humanitarian law through expansive interpretations of concepts such as self-defense, military necessity, and dual-use targets. He stressed the need to strengthen legal discourse, internationalize Iran’s narrative, and train specialists in this field.
In the final segment of the meeting, Dr. Mahmoudreza Golshanpazhooh discussed the opportunities available to non-governmental organizations within the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. He highlighted the importance of transforming NGOs into producers of credible information, specialized documentation, and reliable reports. He also emphasized the need to establish databases of victims, document attacks against civilian objects, and prepare specialized reports for use by international mechanisms.
Participants collectively underscored the importance of professionally documenting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, countering lawfare and selective narratives, making effective use of the capacities of civil society organizations and international mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation among civil society actors, academic institutions, and relevant authorities in order to advance the rights of victims of war.
