AMHRI Report Warns of Humanitarian Crisis
New York
9 April 2026
The Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration (AMHRI) has released a new human rights report documenting the impact of Iranian military attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries between 28 February and 7 April 2026, warning of a large-scale humanitarian crisis affecting tens of millions of migrant workers.
According to the report, the attacks involved more than 1,500 strikes, alongside the use of thousands of ballistic missiles and drones targeting multiple Gulf States. Some countries, particularly the UAE, were hit by 438 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones, highlighting the scale and intensity of the escalation.
The report finds that the attacks extended beyond military objectives and systematically targeted civilian infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and energy facilities. Dozens of civilians were killed, with over 57% identified as migrant workers.
AMHRI estimates that more than 35 million migrants in the Gulf region were directly exposed to the consequences of the conflict, despite not being parties to it. Many faced significant barriers to evacuation due to legal and structural constraints, including the kafala (sponsorship) system.
From a legal perspective, AMHRI states that the attacks may constitute a crime of aggression, as defined under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, as well as war crimes due to the targeting of civilian infrastructure and violations of international humanitarian law principles. The report also warns that the disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz poses a serious threat to international peace and security.
The report outlines AMHRI’s international advocacy efforts, including formal submissions to the United Nations, briefings before the Human Rights Council, and a legal communication to the International Criminal Court. These actions contributed to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) and a Human Rights Council resolution addressing the crisis.
The report comes amid a ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, brokered by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which took effect on 8 April 2026.
AMHRI calls on the international community to ensure full implementation of UN resolutions, establish an independent accountability mechanism, and provide urgent protection for migrant workers, including safe evacuation corridors and access to essential services.
The Association also announced plans to host an international “Roundtable Discussion” in New York to launch the report and coordinate global civil society efforts, in parallel with the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) scheduled for 5–8 May 2026.
