Ms. Mai Sato, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, presents her first report focusing on three main priorities: transparency, gender equality, and the right to life. She highlights the alarming increase in executions, the need for medical care for prisoners, and advocates for women’s autonomy regarding clothing. Sato calls for cooperation from Iranian authorities and invites testimonials from victims and civil society groups to push for meaningful change.
In her debut report as the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Ms. Mai Sato presents a compelling vision aimed at reshaping the landscape of human rights in the Islamic Republic. This inaugural document, poised for presentation to the General Assembly’s Third Committee on November 1, 2024, illuminates three pivotal priorities for her term: transparency, gender equality, and the fundamental right to life. Moving beyond the traditional focus on duty bearers, Sato ardently redirects attention to the rights holders themselves, emphasizing her commitment to uplifting the voices of those living under the current regime. Central to her findings is the alarming issue of the right to life. She poignantly asserts, “Without challenging the indivisibility of human rights, one right stands out for this mandate: the right to life. Simply put, without it, the other rights cannot be fulfilled.” The Special Rapporteur draws attention to the troubling rise in executions within the nation, with August 2024 alone witnessing the execution of at least 93 individuals, only a fraction of which were reported by the government. Such stark figures illuminate a grave contradiction with international human rights norms, especially as numerous executions stem from vaguely defined security offenses—classifications that routinely ensnare dissenters and activists alike. Moreover, Sato’s report articulates her intention to scrutinize not just court-ordered executions but also deaths resulting from state agency actions and inadequate investigations. She firmly reiterates, “The denial of medical care should not be used to punish and silence prisoners. Such deprivations may amount to torture and inhuman treatment, freedom from which is an absolute right not liable to exceptions and derogations.” Examining the swift erosion of women’s rights, Sato ardently defends women’s autonomy over their attire, suggesting, “They have the right to have their safety and autonomy preserved whether a hijab is worn or not.” Her insights underscore the broader struggle faced in Iran, where it stands out as one of the few nations yet to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and ranks a dismal 143rd out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023. Seeking to foster a dialogue, the Special Rapporteur invites victims, families, civil society groups, and experts, including Iranian academics, to contribute their perspectives and testimonies, aiming to spark collective efforts towards reform. Closing her powerful report, Sato calls upon Iran’s leaders to engage fully with her mandate, pleading for unrestricted access to carry out her mission effectively. The expectation looms large as she prepares to deliver two reports yearly to the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, continuing the legacy of those who dared to speak up before her. As the seventh individual to assume this critical role, Ms. Mai Sato carries the weight of history and the hopes of many, looking to turn the tide for human rights within the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran serves to scrutinize and report on human rights violations within the country. This role has seen various figures advocating for change over the years, with a focus on issues such as government oppression, the treatment of detainees, and gender inequality. Ms. Mai Sato’s first report as the Special Rapporteur outlines her vision and priorities for addressing the ongoing human rights crisis, shedding light on the responsibilities owed to rights holders in Iran.
In her first report, Ms. Mai Sato emphasizes a thoughtful and rights-focused approach to human rights in Iran, prioritizing transparency, gender equality, and the right to life. Through her call for action and inclusivity, she aims to shine a light on the darkness shrouding the nation’s human rights situation. By inviting contributions and urging the Iranian government to cooperate, she positions herself as a beacon of hope for those yearning for change and dignity across the country.
Original Source: iran-hrm.com
