The UN Human Rights Council is urged to extend the mandate of the special rapporteur on Iran and continue independent investigations into ongoing human rights violations. Reports present a bleak picture of crisis and impunity, emphasizing the need for accountability mechanisms.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is urged to renew the mandate of the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, alongside the establishment of an ongoing independent investigative mechanism. This recommendation is supported by 42 Iranian and international human rights organizations, emphasizing the importance of building on previous findings from the UN fact-finding mission. The call for action was made in a letter to member states dated March 18, 2025.
Reports presented by the fact-finding mission and the special rapporteur describe a dire human rights situation in Iran, documenting ongoing gross violations that sometimes amount to crimes against humanity. These violations predominantly affect women and girls, minorities, and victims’ families, underscoring a dire need for international attention and remedial action. Hilary Power, the UN Geneva director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The reports…present a grim picture of a full-fledged crisis of human rights and impunity in Iran.”
Since its establishment in 2011, the UN special rapporteur has been pivotal in overseeing human rights issues in Iran, reporting violations, and guiding urgent appeals to protect at-risk individuals, particularly those facing execution. The fact-finding mission was launched in November 2022 in response to violent state crackdowns prompted by protests triggered by the death of Jina Mahsa Amini due to her arbitrary detention.
The mission’s initial report in March 2024 concluded that serious human rights violations occurred during the state-led suppression of protests advocating for “Woman, Life, Freedom.” These included severe actions like murder and torture, which continued unabated into 2025. The situation remains critical, with the Iranian government reportedly conducting over 900 executions in 2024, utilizing capital punishment as a tool of political repression against women and minorities.
The Iranian authorities continue to evade accountability for past and current human rights violations, actively persecuting victims’ families and those who pursue justice. Moreover, there has been a marked increase in transnational repression, with Iranian officials targeting dissidents and media workers abroad, further exacerbating the climate of fear and oppression.
In summary, the call for the renewed mandate of the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran reflects serious concerns over ongoing violations that demand international intervention. Reports of continued human rights abuses underscore the urgent necessity for accountability mechanisms to support victims in their quest for justice. The findings emphasize the deeply entrenched issues within Iran’s human rights landscape, reinforcing the need for sustained international focus on the region’s deteriorating situation.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
