In a damning report, the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran exposed the government’s escalating crackdown on civilian rights amidst widespread protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Amini, a member of the Kurdish community, was arrested for not adhering to hijab regulations.
The findings reveal that Iranian authorities, under pressure from protests since September 2022, have committed grave human rights abuses, with Chair Sara Hossain stating such actions have amounted to crimes against humanity. Testimonies denote severe torture inflicted on civilians, including children as young as seven, and the rigid enforcement of hijab laws targeted at women has intensified through the “Noor plan.”
Online surveillance tactics have become prevalent, with President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government employing intrusive measures despite previous promises to ease restrictions. Investigators indicated that digital platforms, like Instagram, were crucial for state oppression, shutting down accounts of human rights advocates and confiscating their SIM cards.
Furthermore, the use of a mobile app named “Nazer” empowers civilians to report hijab violations, enabling state-sponsored vigilantism. The report raises alarms, indicating that at least ten people have been executed in connection to the protests, with many others at risk, amidst serious due process violations including coerced confessions.
Established in November 2022, the Independent Mission aims to investigate and document human rights abuses in relation to the protests, particularly concerning women and children, ensuring evidence is preserved for potential future legal actions. The report will soon be presented to member states at the Human Rights Council, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform in Iran’s policies.
The UN Human Rights Council’s report condemns Iran’s crackdown on dissent, revealing severe human rights violations since the protests ignited by Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. The findings highlight torture, targeted violence against minorities, and increased state surveillance and clandestine reporting applications that infringe upon freedoms. With numerous executions linked to these protests, the report stresses the need for accountability and justice.
The report by the UN Human Rights Council sheds light on the severe human rights violations occurring in Iran, particularly against women and minority communities. As online and offline repression escalates, the call for accountability grows stronger, emphasising the necessity for international attention and action. The systematic targeting of dissent is starkly revealed, urging a global response to safeguard human rights in the region.
Original Source: www.globalissues.org
