Javid Rahman Expresses Concern Over Increase in Executions in Iran at UN Human Rights Council Meeting

Javid Rahman, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, expressed concern once again about the increase in the issuance and execution of death sentences by the judicial system of the Islamic Republic in his latest report prepared for the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. He states that at least 834 individuals were executed in Iran in 2023, marking a 43% increase compared to the previous year. Rahman highlighted concerns regarding arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, expedited executions, and the lack of fair trials for protesters, referencing past protests in 2009, 2019, and 2022. He lamented the failure of Iranian officials to conduct independent and transparent investigations into various human rights violations and emphasized the right of the Iranian people to express their opinions and hold peaceful gatherings. In this 42-page report, the UN Special Rapporteur also addressed the detention of foreign citizens and dual nationals, welcoming the release of at least 8 of these prisoners in 2023. Rahman expressed concern over the continued pattern of detaining foreign citizens and dual nationals by the security apparatus of the Islamic Republic and called for an end to this trend and the release of other prisoners. In another section of the report, he addressed the situation of women and girls in Iran, expressing concern over the government's efforts to impose mandatory hijab and the ongoing violations of the rights of women and girls advocating for optional dress. The rights of religious and ethnic minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran remain a consistent focus of the UN Special Rapporteur's reports, with Rahman stating that discrimination and violations of their rights continue. In his first detailed exclusive interview with the media during his six-year tenure in this position, he told Voice of America that he is confident the Iranian people will have the courage to resist the Islamic Republic. Rahman clarified that his mission is independent and does not work with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, making it difficult for him to comment on what occurs in that office. The 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council began on February 26 and will continue until April 6. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern earlier in February over the sharp increase in executions in Iran, emphasizing that this punishment is incompatible with the most fundamental human rights and must be stopped immediately. Javid Rahman stated that the international community must hold the Islamic Republic accountable for human rights, and he believes that the Islamic Republic fears him going to Iran and exposing them. He asserted that Iranian officials cannot escape justice.