Latest Report by Mahi Sato; Concerns Raised Over Widespread Discrimination in Iran

Mahi Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, expressed concern on Wednesday, March 13, regarding the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic through the publication of a report. This report, based on UN Human Rights Council resolution 55/19, focuses particularly on gender dimensions and the impact of human rights violations in these areas. Mahi Sato began his mission last summer, and this is his first report to the UN Human Rights Council, where he seriously examines various aspects of human rights violations. The published report covers events related to Iran from January to December 2024 and is categorized into different sections. Sato will hold his annual dialogue with members of the council next Tuesday regarding the findings of his report. In this report, as in previous periods, Mahi Sato has formally requested to visit Iran to conduct a field investigation into the human rights situation in the country, which has not yet been approved by the Iranian government. The UN Special Rapporteur noted the lack of transparency in governmental institutions and other challenges in obtaining information in a country with severe repression and media censorship, and he thanked human rights activists and NGOs for their cooperation in preparing his report. Mahi Sato mentions the 'extraordinary' increase in executions by the Islamic Republic in the past year and once again calls for a halt to executions and the abolition of the death penalty, especially for child offenders. In a section of the report, he expresses serious concerns about the use of the death penalty by the Iranian government, citing 900 executions, which include the highest number of women executed in the past decade. Sato also points to widespread discrimination against Iranian women, which legally restricts their lives in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and access to justice. He criticizes the discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities as well. According to Mahi Sato, despite the government's severe repression and efforts to enforce the new law known as 'Hijab and Chastity,' Iranian women are strongly resisting and showing significant activism in defense of their rights. He further states that in response to mandatory hijab protests or efforts for equal rights, the Iranian people are increasingly and vocally challenging the government's discriminatory behaviors and actions, reflecting their awareness and determination for change. Mahi Sato acknowledges that Iran has made progress in areas such as education but notes that these advancements have not translated into economic and political participation. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive reform and change of the Iranian government's discriminatory laws against women. The day before, the UN fact-finding committee also published a brief report on its latest findings. Next week, the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic will again be discussed at the UN Human Rights Council in two sessions featuring Mahi Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, and members of the fact-finding committee. The UN Special Rapporteur: The death sentence for Pakhshan Azizi must be stopped immediately. Iran Human Rights Organization: At least 10 people were executed in 24 hours. Dozens of British MPs: Executions in Iran are intended to 'create terror.' Resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran passed at the UN General Assembly. UN experts: The mandatory hijab law must be abolished immediately. The UN fact-finding committee called for the immediate release of Narges Mohammadi.