In Iran, minority communities are subjected to discrimination by the authorities, living in a shadow cast by broader human rights abuses, particularly against women. The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFMI) was established to investigate these serious violations. During the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Sabah Bandoui, representing the Minority Rights Group (MRG) and the Balochistan Human Rights Group (BHRG), emphasized the urgent need for ongoing scrutiny into these injustices.
The FFMI’s important findings highlight the crimes against humanity faced by distinct minority groups. These revelations validate the experiences of those who suffer persecution and underscore the necessity for the Human Rights Council to confront the deeply rooted discrimination underlying these abuses. The FFMI’s reports indicate that the oppression of ethnic and religious minorities has persisted long before and continues beyond the Women Life Freedom movement.
The atmosphere remains perilous as the Iranian state amplifies its campaign to stifle dissent. Surveillance and pressure have intensified against minorities, activists, and families of victims, suggesting a persistent threat of violence. Current accountability mechanisms in Iran are grossly inadequate, rendering the pursuit of justice nearly impossible amid a landscape rife with intimidation and threats against those advocating for victims’ rights.
The call is clear: the Human Rights Council must continue its investigations into these human rights abuses. It is essential that these efforts expand beyond the FFMI’s mandate to holistically address the injustices faced by minorities and women, ensuring accountability and justice for all victims of state-sanctioned violence. I thank you.
The Minority Rights Group (MRG) and the Balochistan Human Rights Group (BHRG) have called for continued investigations into human rights violations against minorities in Iran. They welcome the FFMI’s findings on crimes against humanity, emphasizing the need for broader accountability beyond existing mechanisms. The urgent situation involves systemic discrimination and an escalating state campaign against dissent, necessitating sustained international attention and action.
In summary, the plight of minorities in Iran is dire, characterised by systematic discrimination and violence. The FFMI’s findings shine a light on these grave injustices and highlight the need for ongoing investigations by the Human Rights Council. As the state heightens its campaign against dissent, the call for comprehensive accountability and justice resonates louder, urging the international community to act against these human rights violations.
Original Source: minorityrights.org
