Paris, Geneva - The attacks against civilians that took place in France yesterday are despicable crimes against humanity, says the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. At the same time, any retaliation against Muslims or Arabs simply because they share the same ethnicity or religion of those who claim responsibility for these acts of terrorism must be prevented or punished if they occur.

The terrorist attacks claimed the lives of more than 120 civilians and injured nearly 200 others, including 80 who are seriously wounded.

The attacks targeted a football field, streets and restaurants. More than 40 were killed at the Le Petit Cambodge restaurant, at the Stade de France Stadium and the Bataclan Theater, nearly 100 people were killed and another 120 were held hostages before being evacuated.

“These attacks are horrifying. The perpetrators must be brought to justice,” says Ramy Abdu, chair of Euro-Med Monitor. “It is also important to avoid undermining human rights under the banner of the fight against terrorism. Thus, we call on the French authorities to work immediately to protect Muslims and Arabs in their country from retaliation."