Rights and Freedom
Fact-finding mission concludes regime murdered, imprisoned, tortured and raped those who protested the death of Mahsa Amini
Iran’s Regime Committed Crimes Against Humanity, UN Fact-Finding Mission Concludes
The Iranian regime’s human rights violations during its brutal suppression of protests in 2022 amount to crimes against humanity, a UN fact-finding mission (FFM) has said. The FFM, established by the UN human rights council in November 2022, has released a report which concludes that the regime carried out widespread and sustained human rights violations against its own people, specifically targeting women and girls.
The report investigated and corroborated accounts published by The Guardian that female protesters were specifically targeted because of their gender and were shot at close range in the face and genitals. These actions were recognized as evidence of state-committed crimes against the civilian population.
According to Human Rights Watch, the protests resulted in the death of more than 500 people, including 68 children, by the Iranian security forces. Additionally, over 20,000 protesters were arrested.
Violence against Women, Girls, and LGBTQ+
The FFM team concluded that the Iranian government committed a series of extensive, sustained, and continuing acts amounting to human rights violations against women, girls, and persons expressing support for gender equality and women’s rights. The report found that detainees, including LGBTQ+ individuals, were subjected to violence and human rights violations. The report also highlighted that nine executions of people arrested during the protests were carried out without fair trial and due process guarantees, violating the prohibition against torture and ill-treatment.
International Accountability and Reparations
The UN report called upon the Iranian authorities to provide justice, truth, and reparations to the victims and survivors of human rights violations that occurred during the protests. The report emphasizes the need for justice, accountability, and equality for those who have demanded freedom, equality, dignity, and accountability. The Iranian government was urged to immediately halt the repression of peaceful protests, particularly against women and girls.
Continued Repression and Campaign for Enforced Hijab
The release of the report coincides with ongoing repression by the Iranian government, which continues to target the families of protesters and those killed during the demonstrations, as well as journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, and doctors. Amnesty International’s latest report reveals the Iranian authorities’ draconian campaign to enforce compulsory hijab laws, subjecting women and girls to constant surveillance and policing. These oppressive tactics include inhumane flogging and prison sentences, generating immense mental distress among the affected individuals.
A Call for Change
The FFM’s findings shed light on the grave human rights violations committed by the Iranian regime during the protests. The report calls for international action to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure justice for the victims. The UN will receive the detailed 400-page report, including the FFM’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations, in Geneva at the end of March.
As the international community awaits the report’s reception by the UN, it is crucial to continue urging the Iranian government to halt the repression of peaceful protests, safeguard the rights of women and girls, and take immediate steps towards justice and accountability.
