UN Criticizes Iran for 'Flagrant Violations' of Ethnic and Religious Minorities' Rights During Recent Protests

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination expressed 'serious concern' over the 'flagrant violations of the rights of ethnic and religious minorities' by the Iranian government during the protests of November 2019, summer 2021, and the protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini. On Friday, the committee published its findings regarding seven countries, including Iran, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. In the section concerning Iran, the committee expressed grave concern over reports of severe human rights violations and mistreatment of ethnic and religious minority protesters during the November 2019 protests and the protests following Mahsa Amini's death, particularly in provinces with a majority of ethnic minorities. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called for impartial investigations into allegations of human rights violations by Iranian state agents during the protests and for compensation to be paid to victims. The committee also expressed serious concern over the disproportionate number of criminal cases against ethnic and religious minorities in the judicial system of the Islamic Republic, arbitrary detentions, and death sentences for crimes that are vaguely defined. In its concluding report, the UN committee urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to review its legal framework, abolish vague criminal offenses that carry the death penalty, ensure fair and appropriate processes for minority groups, and halt the death penalty with the aim of abolishing it. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also expressed concern on Friday, August 10, about executions in Iran, stating, 'Minorities, including Kurds, Ahwazi Arabs, and Baluchis, continue to be disproportionately affected by these executions.' Just four days before Volker Turk's remarks, the UN fact-finding committee reported that ethnic and religious minorities, especially Kurds and Baluchis, faced 'excessive and disproportionate' repression by the Iranian government during the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. According to the fact-finding committee's report, this issue is 'a direct result of long-standing discriminations that must end immediately.' The report addressed issues such as 'illegal killings, extrajudicial executions, unnecessary use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and gender-based harassment' by Islamic Republic agents against ethnic and religious minorities, many of which have been labeled as 'crimes against humanity.' The UN fact-finding committee also examined discrimination and violence against minority women, the 'transgenerational' impact of repression on minority children, and the likelihood of continued 'multidimensional harm for decades.' The committee noted a significant increase in executions, particularly in areas with minority populations, and stated that several death sentences issued against minority women in recent weeks have had 'negative effects' on minority rights activities. More than half of the interviews conducted by the fact-finding committee for this report were with victims and witnesses of repression from minority groups, and many of the incidents reviewed occurred in provinces with minority populations. In its concluding report, the UN fact-finding committee called for holding Iranian officials accountable at both national and international levels to secure the rights of victims, especially women and children from ethnic and religious minorities in Iran. During the violent crackdown on peaceful protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini while in the custody of the morality police, over 500 Iranian citizens, including women and children, were killed by armed agents of the Islamic Republic, and thousands more were injured or detained. Western countries, led by the United States, have imposed several sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for these crackdowns in response to the deadly repression of peaceful Iranian protesters following Mahsa (Zhina) Amini's death, pledging to continue their strong support for the rights to freedom of expression and assembly for the people of Iran, as well as the right of Iranian women to choose their attire. The deteriorating physical and mental health of Saman Yasin; he is transferred daily to the medical facility of Qezel Hesar prison. Three organizations filed a complaint with the UN 'on behalf of the family' of Tomaj Salehi: The Islamic Republic is not adhering to its commitments. Saad Kakeh, a young protester, appeared in court with 'injured and tortured face and body.' The uncertainty surrounding Hooman Seyedali and Reza Arabpour, detainees from the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests. Research report by Voice of America | Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained during the 2022 Mazandaran protests - Part Three. Research report by Voice of America | Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained during the 2022 Mazandaran protests - Part Two. Research report by Voice of America | Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained during the 2022 Mazandaran protests - Part One.