Oral Statement
UN Human Rights Council: 39th special session of the Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Mr. President,
CIVICUS and Volunteer Activists express grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Iran following the brutal repression of nationwide protests that began in late December.
Iranian authorities responded with an extreme and violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations that quickly expanded into calls for political reform. Furthermore, security forces reportedly used overwhelming and lethal force against protesters, including military-grade weapons. Reliable accounts describe wounded individuals executed in the streets and cities placed under de-facto martial law, amid an unprecedented wave of arbitrary arrests and mass unlawful killings.
Sources report over 3100 deaths, according to the authorities alone, and more than 24,000 arrests, whilst a nationwide internet and telecommunications blackout in breach of international human rights law further obstructs lifesaving information, documentation, and accountability. Senior officials have openly threatened protesters with maximum punishment and no legal leniency, signaling further risks of torture, enforced disappearances, and grossly unfair trials. We are particularly concerned that detainees are at grave risk of arbitrary executions.
We urge this Council to strengthen monitoring of Iran, ensure the renewal and adequate resourcing of the Special Rapporteur and the FFM to carry out an urgent inquiry and support criminal accountability for grave violations.
There is also an urgent need for the voices of civil society within Iran to be heard directly. The people of Iran urgently need protection, justice, and international solidarity.
We thank you.
