In a striking session, the UN Human Rights Council convened in Geneva to scrutinise the troubling human rights situations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. With a piercing spotlight on Iran, the appointed experts detailed the severe violations linked to the protests ignited by Mahsa Amini’s tragic death in 2022. Sara Hossain, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, revealed that during peaceful demonstrations, tragic incidents involving children occurred as they were shot with deadly metal pellets, resulting in grave injuries and horrific treatment in detention, including reports of torture and rape.
Hossain voiced concern over Iran’s persistent refusal to accept accountability for the unrest, stating that the authorities have criminalised and violently suppressed the protests and the families of victims, especially targeting women and girls. Despite their suffering, many victims and survivors feel betrayed by a judicial system that offers no hope for justice or redress, as emphasised by their call for accountability measures beyond Iran’s borders. Meanwhile, Iran’s delegation rebuffed the findings, asserting their disagreement with the report.
Turning to Syria, Paulo Pinheiro, who leads the Commission of Inquiry, urged for urgent action to reveal the fate of the thousands still missing due to the Assad regime’s actions. While he acknowledged the new government’s willingness to engage with investigators, he lamented the dire humanitarian situation which continues to worsen, urging an end to sanctions that hinder recovery. Families of the disappeared seek justice and truth, necessitating a comprehensive effort involving technical support from various humanitarian bodies.
In Venezuela, Marta Valiñas reflected on rampant human rights violations, particularly political oppression, arbitrary arrests, and targeted persecution of dissidents. Dismayed by the Supreme Court’s dismissal of contested election results, she pointed out the shocking lack of transparency and accusations that members received pressure to manipulate outcomes. The country has witnessed a troubling increase in detentions as the government clamps down on dissent, evidenced by fatalities during protests connected to the elections.
Valiñas also highlighted alarming reports of detainees dying in custody due to neglected health issues and torture, illustrating the perilous conditions prisoners face. In stark contrast, the Venezuelan government dismissed these findings as politically driven fabrications, insisting that they lacked scientific basis and were intentionally misleading.
The UN Human Rights Council’s session illuminated severe violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. Experts highlighted Iran’s suppression of protests with atrocities against children, Syria’s urgent need for truth about the missing, and Venezuela’s political repression amid contested electoral processes. The reports called for accountability and justice in these nations.
The UN Human Rights Council’s investigation into Iran, Syria, and Venezuela reveals dire human rights abuses across these nations. With compelling testimonies from victims and stark analyses from independent experts, the reports urge for accountability and justice. Amidst propaganda narratives, the persistent struggles of the oppressed are brought to light, highlighting the fundamental need for truth and restoration in these troubled regions.
Original Source: news.un.org
