A coalition of Iranian and international human rights organisations urgently calls upon UN member states to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran. This renewal is crucial in the face of an ongoing human rights crisis, requiring a robust investigative mechanism to monitor and address serious human rights violations, ensuring accountability and safeguarding victims’ rights.
The Special Rapporteur serves as a beacon, continuously overseeing and reporting civil, political, economic, and cultural rights abuses. By engaging both with Iranian authorities and international stakeholders, the Rapporteur amplifies urgent human rights issues and advocates for life-saving measures for vulnerable individuals at risk, pursuing justice in an atmosphere of impunity.
Significantly, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFMI) has unravelled a horrifying reality: that Iranian officials commit crimes against humanity, perpetuating severe violations such as torture, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances. It has concluded three critical points: first, these violations are ongoing, particularly against women, minorities, and their advocates, who face escalated repression when seeking justice.
Second, the FFMI identifies this violent repression as part of a broader, entrenched pattern aimed at quelling peaceful protests and dissent, a trend evident since 2017. The discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTI community is insidious, with repercussions felt far beyond public protests.
Finally, the FFMI emphasises that the alarming cycle of impunity begets further violations and discrimination. The same agents of oppression frequently act without consequence, perpetuating a culture of fear and injustice that must be countered through comprehensive accountability measures and improved international oversight.
To combat the systemic violations, there is an urgent need for a continued and expanded investigative mechanism. This entails support for accountability efforts and resource allocation for further evidence gathering and analysis to ensure justice and reparations for victims. The importance of a holistic approach cannot be overstated—engagement in urgent investigations, legal monitoring, and supporting survivors’ rights is essential.
We appeal to your government to vocalise its condemnation of Iran’s enduring human rights violations and urge for justice on behalf of the Iranian people. The time has come for meaningful action, ensuring that those who commit atrocities face accountability and that the victims are given a chance for reparations within the scope of international law.
Human rights organisations urge UN member states to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Iran, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis. The importance of both the Special Rapporteur and the FFMI in monitoring, investigating, and advocating for accountability has been underscored. A comprehensive approach is essential to combat the systemic violations and ensure justice for victims.
In summary, renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran is imperative to address the systematic violations occurring within the region. The ongoing oppressive tactics against women, minorities, and dissenters must be comprehensively investigated, reinforcing the need for accountability. The international community must respond emphatically to these dire human rights situations, ensuring victims receive justice and perpetrators face consequences.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
