A Kenyan man, John Mweha, has penned a letter to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, over the recent conflict in the Middle East, specifically between Israel and Iran, that has claimed over 200 people, according to various reports.
In the letter dated June 16, Mweha proposed that the UN establish the Middle East Neighbourhood Treaty, which he believed would help in quelling the conflicts and restoring peace in the region.
Citing the rising toll in civilian casualties, massive destruction of properties, large-scale displacement, and the broader destabilisation of the Middle East, he relayed that urgent, coordinated diplomatic engagement was crucial.
"I write to you as a concerned citizen of the Republic of Kenya and as a passionate advocate for public interest, peace, and international cooperation," he wrote.
"The gravity of this moment calls for visionary leadership, and I respectfully submit a proposal for the establishment of the Middle East Neighbourhood Treaty, and I believe that such an initiative will help in steering the region toward sustainable peace."
He further outlined seven components of the treaty, which would provide a comprehensive and inclusive framework for long-term peace, regional cooperation, and collective security in the region.
Firstly, the treaty would recognise sovereignty and territorial integrity, a mutual affirmation of the legitimacy and secure borders of all states, including Israel. The treaty would also promote regional economic development, innovation, and cultural exchange to strengthen ties and create shared prosperity.
It would also facilitate non-aggression and civilian protection commitments with legally binding commitments to peaceful dispute resolution and protection for all.
The fourth component would be institutional trust-building and dialogue through annual summits, regional cooperation councils, and civil society engagement mechanisms to foster transparency and accountability.
It would also include a binding commitment to denuclearisation and a weapons of mass destruction-free zone, as well as a joint counter-terrorism and anti-extremism framework.
Lastly, he called for the UN's endorsement and oversight through humanitarian coordination, verification, and confidence-building measures.
"If adopted, these principles may not only serve to address the immediate conflict but also become a beacon of peace, love, and unity for present and future generations, a bold legacy of hope, reconciliation, and shared human dignity," he stated.
He therefore urged the UN to recommend the treaty, facilitate a UN-led consultation with stakeholders on its implementation, provide technical support, verification mechanisms, and mediation, mobilise international humanitarian assistance to conflict zones, and encourage member states, regional blocs, faith-based organizations, and civil society to participate in and support this peacebuilding initiative.
Over the past few days, the two countries have been engaged in warfare since Israel launched the first attack on Iran on Friday, June 13. In Iran, at least 224 people have been killed since hostilities began, with Israel losing 24 people to the violence.
Among the most impactful attacks in the five days of conflict was Israel's attack on the command centre of Iran’s Quds Force on Monday, a special military unit that coordinates support for Iranian allies in the Middle East, including Hamas.
At least 10 Iranian generals have also been killed in the conflict, including the nation’s second most powerful person after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader.
