The UN Human Rights Council’s report reveals serious human rights abuses in Iran amid protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. The Iranian government seeks to suppress dissent through repression, particularly targeting women and ethnic minorities. The use of technology for surveillance and punitive measures against human rights activists raises significant concerns for fair trial rights and potential crimes against humanity.
The Iranian Government has intensified its efforts to infringe upon the rights of civilians, including children, as part of its strategy to suppress dissent, according to a report by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran. The report outlines serious human rights violations linked to widespread protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly violating hijab regulations.
Sara Hossain, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, stated, “In repressing the 2022 nationwide protests, State authorities in Iran committed gross human rights violations, some of which…amounted to crimes against humanity.” The report details numerous instances of severe physical and psychological torture inflicted upon individuals, including children as young as seven.
Since April 2024, the Iranian government has escalated criminal prosecutions against women who oppose enforced hijab laws through the newly implemented “Noor plan.” The Independent Mission indicated that many women human rights defenders and activists face severe retaliatory measures, including hefty fines, lengthy incarceration, and in some cases, the death penalty due to their advocacy for human rights.
Moreover, minority ethnic and religious groups have been disproportionately targeted during these protests. Ms. Hossain remarked that “some of the most egregious violations…carried out in peak protest towns in minority-populated regions.” Testimonies reveal that individuals have been subjected to threats using firearms and psychological torture, including nooses around their necks.
The Mission observed that state repression largely depends on technology for enforcement, despite governmental pledges for reform. Shaheen Sardar Ali of the Independent Mission emphasized, “Surveillance online was a critical tool for State repression,” detailing how government actions include shutting down Instagram accounts and seizing SIM cards of human rights advocates.
The independent mission also highlighted the implementation of a mobile app named “Nazer” that enables citizens to report those not complying with hijab regulations, showing a troubling reliance on citizen-driven surveillance. The report indicates that 10 individuals have been executed related to the protests, while at least 14 others, including men and women, are at high risk of execution due to violations in trial processes and torture-tainted confessions.
Established in November 2022, the Independent Mission aims to methodically investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran, particularly concerning women and children, while compiling and preserving evidence for potential legal actions against offenders. The findings of their report will be presented to Member States at the upcoming Human Rights Council meeting next Tuesday.
The UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission highlights a grave situation in Iran, where the government is employing aggressive measures to suppress dissent, particularly against women and minorities. The ongoing violations include severe punitive actions against human rights defenders and the use of technology for state-sponsored surveillance. Concerns persist regarding fair trial rights, with reports of executions and torture-tainted confessions, indicating a systematic repression of basic human rights under the guise of enforcing public order.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
