The International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, a team of experts appointed by the Human Rights Council, addressed the Council in Geneva and stated that Ms. Amini’s death in September 2022 was caused by physical violence and was unlawful. They also held the State responsible for her death.

Sara Hossain, the Chairperson, addressed the 47 Member States of the forum and stated that following the death of Ms. Amini, protests across the country were led by young women and schoolchildren.

According to her, the government employed its full resources with armed security forces, such as AK-47s and Uzis, in certain regions, leading to casualties and fatalities.

Acts of defiance

There are reports stating that there were a total of 551 fatalities, including at least 49 women and 68 children, over the course of several months in 26 of the 31 provinces in Iran.

Ms. Hossain described how numerous protestors chose to take off their hijab in public spaces as a form of rebellion against pervasive unjust laws and customs.

The Council was informed that both men and boys participated in the demonstrations to show solidarity. Minority groups also voiced their demand for equality.

According to Ms. Hossain’s report, it was discovered that security personnel purposefully aimed at demonstrators and innocent bystanders from close proximity, resulting in severe injuries to their heads, necks, torsos, and genital areas. The most affected body part was the eyes, with hundreds of protesters suffering permanent vision loss and being labeled as dissidents for the rest of their lives.

Challenges gathering evidence

Although the Mission encountered numerous obstacles, such as being denied entry into the country and receiving no cooperation from the Iranian Government, it successfully gathered and safeguarded more than 27,000 pieces of evidence.

The organization carried out 134 thorough interviews with victims and witnesses, comprising of 49 women and 85 men, both within and outside the country. They also collected evidence and insights from professionals in digital and medical forensics, as well as domestic and international law.

The investigation into human rights violations reported that September 30th, 2022 was referred to as “Bloody Friday” in Zahedan city. This was based on reliable sources that revealed how security forces had fatally shot 104 demonstrators and bystanders, mostly consisting of men and boys.

The probe also recorded the Iranian Government’s assertion that 54 security officers were killed and numerous others were wounded.

Increase in the number of executions, including minors.

The report on the state of human rights in Iran was presented by the Special Rapporteur during the Monday session of the Human Rights Council.

Javaid Rehman presented a summary of the most severe infringements reported to the UN human rights organization in Geneva. These violations include an increase in the use of capital punishment and carrying out executions, even of minors, as well as ongoing restrictions on women’s rights.

As his six-year term comes to a close, Mr. Rehman has continually been denied entry to the country despite numerous appeals.

United Nations

Javaid Rehman, the media is addressed by the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. (file)

According to the Special Rapporteur, 834 individuals were put to death in 2023, which reflects a 43% increase compared to the previous year. A considerable number of these executions were linked to drug-related crimes.

“Despite my concerns and those of the international community, children in Iran were still put to death, with one confirmed execution in 2023,” he stated, while acknowledging the execution of at least 23 women in the previous year.

He expressed worries regarding the mistreatment of cultural and religious minority groups, unjust treatment and imprisonment of individuals who defend human rights, journalists, and trade union representatives.

Referring to the use of force to control demonstrations in 2022 after the passing of 22-year-old Ms. Amini, he explained how these protests had evolved into the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.

The state’s actions were described as “completely unchecked” and resulted in the unjust deaths of hundreds of individuals, including numerous women and children.

in Chinese courts

AI being utilized in Chinese courts to make decisions is concerning.

Sara Hossain stated to the Human Rights Council that the Fact-Finding Mission had been given disturbing accounts regarding the State’s utilization of artificial intelligence, particularly through newly developed mobile applications, to observe and ensure that women and girls are following mandatory hijab regulations.

The Special Rapporteur, too, criticized Iran’s enforcement of “gender segregation and draconian measures”, such as threatening unveiled women with vehicle confiscation and imposing harsh punishments, including flogging, for “improper veiling”.

Gains overshadowed by violations 

The Special Rapporteur emphasized the need for urgent measures to address ongoing human rights abuses in Iran, despite some progress made, such as revisions to laws pertaining to drug trafficking. Upkeep of international commitments is crucial for the country.

The Human Rights Council appoints rapporteurs and other experts who are not employed by the UN and are impartial to any government or organization. They fulfill their duties as individuals and do not receive payment for their services.

Source: news.un.org