In a groundbreaking report released by the UN Fact-Finding Mission, damning evidence has surfaced regarding pervasive human rights violations in Iran, particularly targeting women and girls.
In a press release, the UN FFM reveals a disturbing pattern of institutional discrimination that has enabled egregious crimes against humanity, primarily in the context of recent protests.
The Nationwide protests, which erupted in September 2022 following the tragic death of 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini, have been marred by violent repression. Amini’s death while in custody of the so-called morality police, allegedly for not adhering to Iran’s mandatory hijab laws, served as a catalyst for widespread demonstrations. Instead of promptly investigating her unlawful death, the government obfuscated the truth and denied justice, according to the report.
The Fact-Finding Mission’s findings underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing a catalogue of human rights violations including extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances. Shockingly, the report highlights the disproportionate impact of these violations on women, children, and ethnic and religious minorities, with gender persecution intersecting with discrimination based on ethnicity and religion.
Disturbingly, the report also details instances of torture and sexual violence inflicted upon detainees, with women and girls particularly vulnerable to such abuses. Moreover, the Iranian government’s apparent endorsement of these violations through disinformation campaigns and statements justifying the actions of security forces further exacerbates the situation.
Despite repeated requests for cooperation, the Iranian authorities have failed to provide meaningful engagement with the Fact-Finding Mission, impeding efforts to address these human rights abuses. Consequently, the report urges Member States to explore avenues for accountability at both the international and domestic levels, emphasizing the need for transformative reparations to address the deeply rooted institutional discrimination against women and girls in Iran.
As the international community grapples with the implications of these revelations, pressure mounts on Iranian authorities to halt all executions, release arbitrarily detained individuals, and end the repression of protesters and their supporters. The call for justice and accountability resonates loud and clear, echoing the fundamental principles of human rights and dignity.
The text of the report in different languages is available below for downloading.
Summary of the Introductory Points from the Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran (A/HRC/55/67):
- The report is submitted to the Human Rights Council in accordance with resolution S-35/1, presenting findings on alleged human rights violations in Iran related to protests starting from September 16, 2022, with a focus on women and children.
- The mission outlines its findings regarding the protests, including the death of Jina Mahsa Amini in custody and other serious human rights violations, such as the use of force, arrests, treatment in detention, and legal proceedings.
- The report concludes with an assessment of state responsibility for the violations found and recommendations for accountability and reparations.
- Despite the Council’s urging for cooperation, the Iranian government did not fully cooperate with the mission, hindering access to the country and providing necessary information. There were no substantive responses to the mission’s communication.
- Constraints faced by the mission included government-imposed restrictions on online communications, surveillance, and intimidation of victims, witnesses, and their families, leading to fear and reluctance to engage with the mission.
- Despite these challenges, the mission managed to gather sufficient information and evidence to establish violations of international human rights law and crimes under international law.
A/HRC/55/67: Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Human Rights Council
March 2024
