In a significant development, the United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution to expand the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran amidst rising human rights violations. This mission, initially launched during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, will now probe deeper into recent and ongoing human rights abuses, identify their causes, and secure evidence for future legal actions.
As Bahar Saba from Human Rights Watch highlighted, the backing of 24 countries signifies a diminishing gap in impunity that has long allowed human rights crimes in Iran to persist unchallenged. The resolution aims to ensure continued global oversight, facilitating prosecution of those responsible for grave violations under international law.
The March 2025 report from the fact-finding mission revealed continuing serious violations amounting to potential crimes against humanity, prompting calls for sustained investigations into Iran’s human rights landscape. This mission’s expanded remit underscores a growing global consensus on addressing longstanding impunity, which has enabled state violence for decades.
Additionally, the Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of the special rapporteur on Iran, emphasising their vital role in safeguarding individuals at risk, particularly those facing execution. The resolution also highlighted the urgent need for ongoing scrutiny of the troubling human rights conditions in Iran, including rampant executions, violence against women and minorities, and the lack of accountability in the nation. It urged Iranian authorities to fully cooperate with the mission and grant unrestricted access to its representatives.
The UN Human Rights Council has expanded its Fact-Finding Mission on Iran to investigate serious human rights violations. This mission, initially formed during the 2022 protests, will track abuses, establish evidence, and support future legal proceedings. The resolution gained support from 24 states, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in Iran. The council also renewed the mandate of the special rapporteur to protect at-risk individuals.
The UN’s resolution expands the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, marking a pivotal move against rising human rights violations and impunity in the country. By enhancing international scrutiny and evidence preservation, the mission seeks to hold accountable those who perpetrate crimes against humanity. With the special rapporteur’s role reaffirmed, the Human Rights Council remains determined to advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations in Iran and calls for cooperation from Iranian authorities to address these issues effectively.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
