The UN Human Rights Council highlighted severe human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. Reports documented violence against peaceful protesters in Iran, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, and electoral malpractice in Venezuela, revealing a pattern of repression across these nations.
During the recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the records of Iran, Syria, and Venezuela were scrutinized by top independent experts. These experts highlighted severe human rights violations, particularly in Iran, linked to the protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022. Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, reported that children were deliberately harmed during peaceful protests, facing extreme violence in detention that included torture and rape.
In her statement, Ms. Hossein emphasized that Iran has not sufficiently addressed the demands for equality and justice stemming from the 2022 protests. She expressed concern over the ongoing repression of basic freedoms within the country, particularly noting the harassment faced by victims and survivors, especially women and girls. Additionally, Shaheen Ali of the Fact-Finding Mission revealed that victims lack faith in Iran’s judicial system to bring about justice or reparation, underscoring the need for accountability measures outside national frameworks.
The situation in Syria was also addressed, with Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Commission of Inquiry, calling for more efforts to uncover the truth regarding the tens of thousands of missing persons under the Assad regime. Despite an invitation from new caretaker authorities to cooperate with human rights investigators, Mr. Pinheiro warned of the devastating economic situation in Syria, urging an end to sanctions that hinder recovery. Families of disappeared individuals seek answers and justice, a process that requires extensive collaboration with humanitarian entities.
In Venezuela, chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, Marta Valiñas, reported ongoing human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and repression. The recent presidential election was marred by controversies, as the National Electoral Council failed to transparently disclose vote counts, raising serious electoral integrity concerns. Valiñas noted credible testimonies indicating that political pressures dictated the election outcome, diverging from actual polling data.
During the lead-up to the 2025 presidential inauguration, there was a notable increase in arbitrary detentions. Security forces suppressed protests violently, resulting in numerous rights violations, including fatalities during protests. The mission’s investigation confirmed that the military had used live ammunition against demonstrators. Furthermore, there were alarming reports of detainees dying under inhumane conditions, with many suffering severe torture. The Venezuelan Government dismissed these findings as politically biased, arguing that they lacked scientific rigor and were founded on unverifiable claims.
The UN Human Rights Council’s latest session has drawn significant attention to the severe human rights abuses occurring in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. In each instance, the findings reflect a pattern of state-sponsored violence and repression against citizens. The reports emphasize the critical need for accountability and reforms to protect the fundamental rights of individuals in these nations. Continued international pressure and support for human rights initiatives are imperative to foster change in these troubling environments.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
