This statement was made by Rwanda on March 25, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The session discussed a resolution condemning the acts of aggression initiated by Iran against countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Iran has been accused of provoking these nations after the United States, in cooperation with Israel, began launching attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on neighboring countries in the Middle East.
The attacks targeted infrastructure in these Gulf states and Jordan, accusing them of collaborating with Western nations and harboring U.S. military bases. Civilian infrastructure, including hotels and airports, was severely damaged.
Iran is also accused of further aggression for closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway serving as a transit for 20% of the world’s oil. This action continues to have significant economic repercussions globally.
During the UN session, Rwanda made it clear that it supports the resolution condemning Iran’s actions.
Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Rwanda in Switzerland and the UN offices in Geneva, stated that Rwanda is concerned about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“Rwanda remains deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation in the Middle East. We reaffirm that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, are a fundamental obligation under international law,” he said.
“In this context, Rwanda supports a resolution before this Council, as it underscores these essential principles. We stress that its implementation must contribute to de-escalation with ceasefire efforts and a pursuit of sustainable peace, prioritized by all parties concerned,” added Tubanambazi.
Tubanambazi further stressed that Rwanda supports an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of critical maritime trade routes.
“Rwanda calls for an immediate de-escalation, a cessation of hostilities, and urgent measures to protect civilian populations, preserve vital infrastructure, and ensure the safety of economic and maritime goods,” he noted, highlighting the need for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further loss of life.
The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the resolution, titled “The effects of the recent military aggression carried out by Iran,” with support from more than 100 countries from multiple regional groups.
The countries most affected by Iran’s attacks are also significant partners of Rwanda.
Qatar, for instance, collaborates with Rwanda in various sectors, including air transport, and is expected to play a role in the construction of the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, which will further strengthen its investment in Rwanda.
The United Arab Emirates is another close trading partner of Rwanda, as it imports a significant amount of Rwanda’s products.
Rwanda also has a strong relationship with Jordan. In 2024, the governments of Rwanda and Jordan signed cooperation agreements in sectors such as agriculture, economy, trade, health, and medical services.
These agreements were signed on January 7, 2024, during a visit by King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein of Jordan to Rwanda.
These agreements built upon existing relations, focusing on political dialogue to strengthen trade and investment partnerships, tourism, and agriculture.
Additionally, in January 2026, Rwanda and Oman signed four agreements and cooperation programmes aimed at strengthening bilateral partnership and expanding areas of joint cooperation.
These agreements cover logistics, dry ports, supply chains, data centres, cloud computing, infrastructure, artificial intelligence projects and services, cloud services and enhancing air connectivity between the two countries.
Another agreement was signed on air transport, laying ground for Oman Air to operate two weekly direct flights to Kigali starting June this year.
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