The UN Human Rights Council’s report indicates severe human rights violations by the Iranian Government following the protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death. The report details abuses including torture, especially against minors, and highlights extensive use of surveillance technology for oppression. The report underscores the particular targeting of women and minority groups and calls for accountability.
The Iranian Government has intensified its repression of civilians, as the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission reports on serious human rights violations in the wake of protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Ms. Amini, a member of the Iranian Kurdish community, was apprehended by the morality police over alleged hijab violations. This situation underscores a broader context of dissent suppression against various demographic groups within Iran.
According to Sara Hossain, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, the Iranian authorities’ response to the protests has involved gross human rights violations, potentially qualifying as crimes against humanity. The mission highlighted that both physical and psychological torture have been inflicted, especially on children, some as young as seven years old. The report also noted that women human rights defenders face severe legal repercussions, including possible death sentences for peaceful advocacy.
Ethnic and religious minorities have reportedly been disproportionately affected during the protests, particularly in regions densely populated by these groups. Testimonies indicate that these individuals have been subjected to extreme measures, including psychological torture and severe intimidation tactics during detentions, even under threat of violence.
The use of surveillance technology has become increasingly prevalent, with new measures introduced despite prior pledges from President Masoud Pezeshkian to relax hijab laws. The Mission observed that digital monitoring has been employed to reinforce these restrictions, leading to shut-downs of social media accounts, particularly those belonging to human rights advocates.
The government has also implemented the “Nazer” mobile application, which permits civilians to report individuals not conforming to mandated hijab laws. This approach is characterized by extensive surveillance capabilities, raising significant privacy concerns. The report indicates that already, at least ten individuals have been executed stemming from protest-related accusations, with additional individuals at risk amid uncertainties surrounding fair trial rights.
Established in November 2022, the Independent Mission was formed to conduct comprehensive investigations into alleged human rights abuses in Iran related to the protests. Its role includes the consolidation of evidence and testimonies pertinent to these violations, aimed at potential accountability and legal action.
The report from the UN Human Rights Council reveals alarming trends of human rights abuses in Iran, particularly targeting women and minority groups. The abusive practices include severe physical and psychological torture, with an ongoing use of technology for state surveillance and informal public denunciation. The increasing urgency for accountability and the necessity of international oversight in these matters is evident, highlighting the critical need for further action against the systematic repression occurring in Iran.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
