The UN Human Rights Council is urged to renew the mandate of the UN special rapporteur on Iran and continue independent investigations into ongoing human rights violations. Reports reveal severe violations, including crimes against humanity, particularly against women and minorities. The Iranian government continues to suppress efforts for justice and accountability.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is urged by 42 Iranian and international human rights organizations to renew the mandate of the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran. This appeal, made on March 18, 2025, advocates for the continuation of an independent investigative mechanism that expands on the UN fact-finding mission’s work.
The fact-finding mission, which conducted extensive investigations over two years, presented its findings that highlight ongoing gross human rights violations in Iran, including acts that constitute crimes against humanity. The mission emphasized the persecution faced by women, minorities, and justice-seeking individuals and families, necessitating a strong response from the Human Rights Council.
Hilary Power from Human Rights Watch remarked, “The reports by the fact-finding mission and the special rapporteur present a grim picture of a full-fledged crisis of human rights and impunity in Iran that requires a robust response from the Human Rights Council.” The UN special rapporteur has been crucial since its establishment in 2011, monitoring violations and advocating for those at risk, including individuals facing imminent execution.
Following the violent suppression of protests sparked by the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, the fact-finding mission was authorized in November 2022 to investigate and advance accountability initiatives. Its findings reported severe actions against demonstrators, including murder, torture, and systemic persecution based on gender, religion, and ethnicity, many of which persist in 2025.
The overall human rights landscape in Iran has drastically declined, exemplified by over 900 executions in 2024, including children, which contravenes international law. The Iranian authorities exploit the death penalty to silence opposition, particularly targeting women and minority groups with systemic discrimination and state violence.
Despite these violations, the Iranian government has refrained from addressing past crimes and continues to persecute families seeking justice. This repression extends beyond Iran’s borders, intensifying harassment against dissidents and journalists abroad, leading to life threats for some individuals.
In summary, the call from human rights organizations for the UN Human Rights Council to renew the special rapporteur’s mandate and continue independent investigations into Iran’s human rights violations underscores the urgent need for international scrutiny. Reports indicate a persistent crisis characterized by severe human rights abuses, including executions and systemic persecution. The situation necessitates robust international intervention to support victims and survivors within Iran, as local avenues for justice remain blocked.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
