The UN Human Rights Council recently addressed human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. Reports revealed grave abuses in Iran related to protests, calls for truth regarding disappeared individuals in Syria, and ongoing political repression in Venezuela with contested elections and arbitrary detentions.
During a recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the human rights records of Iran, Syria, and Venezuela were critically analyzed. Independent experts highlighted serious violations of rights in each nation, notably focusing on the aftermath of protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
Sara Hossain, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, reported that peaceful protestors, including children, were met with violent repression, including ammunitions containing metal pellets. Those detained reportedly experienced severe torture and rape, raising grave concerns over state-led suppression of fundamental freedoms and the ongoing harassment of victims’ families.
According to Ms. Hossain, Iran’s government has failed to recognize the protests’ demands for justice and equality. The repression, particularly targeting women and girls, continues unabated. Shaheen Ali, also part of the Fact-Finding Mission, emphasized the Iranian victims’ lack of trust in the domestic judicial system, asserting the need for accountability measures to be sought externally.
The situation in Syria was addressed by Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Commission of Inquiry, who called for enhanced efforts to find the truth behind the many individuals who remain disappeared due to the Assad regime. Despite the catastrophic humanitarian situation, the new authorities’ cooperation was acknowledged, and there was a call to lift sanctions to aid recovery efforts.
Marta Valiñas, chair of the Fact-finding Mission on Venezuela, reported ongoing human rights violations including political repression and arbitrary detentions. Concerns were raised over the lack of transparency following the disputed 2024 presidential election, as total vote counts were not disclosed.
Moreover, in the lead-up to the next presidential inauguration, arbitrary detentions of government opposition figures surged. Investigations of protest fatalities indicated excessive force by authorities, with specific incidents involving the army and national guards using firearms against demonstrators.
Valiñas also expressed alarm over detainee deaths, often attributed to health complications. This highlighted instances of torture within state custody, leading to dismissals of these findings by the Venezuelan Government as politically biased.
The UN Human Rights Council’s recent session underscored alarming human rights abuses in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. In Iran, violent repression against protesters persists, particularly against women and children. The investigation into Syria remains crucial due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, while Venezuela grapples with severe political repression and contested electoral processes. The situation remains precarious as the need for accountability and transparency is underscored by international experts.
Original Source: news.un.org
