Guterres Report on Human Rights Situation in Iran: Stop Executions and Release Detainees

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his report to the UN Human Rights Council regarding the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has called for an immediate halt to executions and the immediate release of detainees, including women, girls, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders. Antonio Guterres's report, covering the period from August 1, 2022, to April 15, 2023, is based on information released by the Iranian government, NGOs, and media, indicating that the overall human rights situation in Iran has 'significantly' deteriorated during this period. The report outlines major human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran during this time. Excessive Use of Force According to reports received by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the security forces of the Islamic Republic have deliberately and excessively used force in various regions of Iran during the crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini. Various firearms, including assault rifles and automatic weapons, as well as tear gas and batons, have been employed to suppress protesters. Death Sentences and Arbitrary Deprivation of the Right to Life The execution of 582 Iranians in 2022 indicates a 75% increase in the number of executions compared to the previous year, which was 333. Four individuals named Mohsen Shekari, Majidreza Rahnavard, Mohammad Mehdi Karami, and Seyed Mohammad Hosseini were executed for participating in nationwide protests and were charged with 'Moharebeh' (waging war against God) and 'Efsad fil-arz' (corruption on earth). In all four cases, the defendants' fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial, were violated, and they were coerced into 'confessions' against themselves under torture. Arbitrary Arrests and Conditions of Detainees From September 17, 2022, to February 8, 2023, about 20,000 Iranian citizens, including women, were arbitrarily arrested due to their participation in nationwide protests and opposition to mandatory hijab. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights believes that widespread arrests and the conditions of detainees in prisons have been deliberately used to punish, intimidate, and silence Iranians seeking their fundamental rights. The situation of freedoms has significantly worsened since the beginning of nationwide protests, with many arrests occurring due to citizens expressing their opinions in both virtual and real spaces. During this period, over 70 journalists, including 25 women, have been arrested, and 16 journalists are still imprisoned. Some of these detained journalists have received sentences ranging from 12 to 18 months, have been banned from leaving the country, and have had their journalism activities revoked. The Status of Women's Human Rights Women and girls played a prominent role in the recent nationwide protests in Iran, which were characterized by the main slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom.' According to the report, despite years of tireless efforts by Iranian women to end deep legal and practical discrimination against them, the authorities of the Islamic Republic have not only failed to address their complaints but have intensified their repression. The Status of Children's Human Rights Iranian officials have acknowledged the significant participation of children and the detention of thousands of children in recent protests. During the protests, at least 44 children and adolescents under the legal age, including 10 girls, were killed by the security forces of the Islamic Republic. Antonio Guterres has also expressed severe concern over the poisoning of over a thousand students, mostly girls, in at least 91 schools across 20 provinces from November 30 of last year to March 2 of this year. The Status of Minority Rights According to the UN Secretary-General's report, ethnic and religious minorities have faced increased repression during the protests, in addition to systematic discrimination and marginalization. The execution of 13 Baluch citizens, one Arab citizen, and 14 Kurdish citizens since the beginning of 2023 indicates a relatively higher execution rate among ethnic minorities compared to other Iranians. Additionally, Baha'i, Armenian, and Assyrian citizens face specific discriminations, including regarding their freedom to practice their religion. Many human rights defenders are still in detention, and authorities continue to harass, arrest, and prosecute those seeking accountability and justice. According to the report, hundreds of human rights defenders have been arrested, summoned, and interrogated in connection with the recent protests. The report mentions the detention of 218 human rights defenders and 44 lawyers. Recommendations from the UN Secretary-General to the Islamic Republic Antonio Guterres has provided recommendations to the authorities of the Islamic Republic at the end of his report. These include an immediate halt to the execution of all death sentences regardless of the reason for their issuance; the abolition of the death penalty; the release of all detainees, including women, girls, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists; ensuring that Iranian citizens' access to the internet is not cut off; guaranteeing the right to peaceful assembly; ensuring detainees' right to a fair trial process; ensuring immediate and transparent investigations into the suppression of protests; eliminating gender discrimination, especially against women and girls; supporting the rights of ethnic and religious minorities; and joining the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, among other recommendations made by the UN Secretary-General.