UN Secretary-General's New Report Indicates 43% Increase in Executions in Iran in 2023

The new report by the Secretary-General and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the human rights situation in Iran was presented at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council of the UN; a report that indicates an increase in execution statistics in the Islamic Republic. According to information obtained by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 834 people were executed in Iran in 2023, reflecting a 43% increase; this figure was 582 in 2022. Of all executions in Iran in 2023, at least 471 were related to drug offenses, which saw an 84% increase compared to 2022; moreover, this is the highest reported number of executions in Iran since 2015. The report also mentions the execution of juvenile offenders and states that despite an overall decrease in the execution of juvenile offenders, the death penalty is being applied at an alarming rate, including for this group of offenders. The Secretary-General of the UN called on the authorities of the Islamic Republic to immediately halt the implementation of all death sentences, including for those related to protests or individuals sentenced to death on drug-related charges. Antonio Guterres also urged the authorities of the Islamic Republic to abolish the death penalty and to prohibit the issuance of death sentences for those who were under 18 at the time of the crime in all circumstances and to commute their sentences. The freedom of all prisoners – including women, girls, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists – ensuring internet access, and guaranteeing the right to peaceful assembly were other recommendations from Guterres to the Islamic Republic in this report. Another section of the report states that the Islamic Republic continues to impose charges related to 'national security' and 'long prison sentences' for human rights defenders, journalists, and artists in their fields of work. The report reminds that during this period, concerns regarding broader judicial crackdowns have also been observed. In another section, reports have been received regarding the continuation of 'institutionalized gender discrimination' by the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, the government has severely deprived women and girls of achieving equality and their fundamental rights, including equal participation in economic, social, political life, and legal equality. The report states that various instances of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, and peaceful assembly have been observed. Another section mentions reports about the impact of unilateral sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights, particularly economic and social rights that affect key sectors of society, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable individuals, including those needing access to life-saving medications and equipment. This report is presented based on UN General Assembly resolution 78/220. In this resolution, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to present a report on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the 56th Human Rights Council. The comprehensive report provides information on the progress made in implementing the resolution, including options and recommendations for improving its implementation, covering the period from July 31, 2023, to August 31, 2024. The report presented to the Human Rights Council session was prepared using information and statistics from the Islamic Republic's government, NGOs, and media, as well as observations from UN human rights mechanisms. Javid Rahman referred to the massacre of political prisoners in the 1980s as 'crimes against humanity' and 'genocide.' Human Rights Organization reported 237 executions in Iran over five months. Research report by VOA | Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained during the protests in Mazandaran in 2022 - Part One. Research report by VOA | Rape of at least 11 girls and boys detained during the protests in Mazandaran in 2022 - Part Two. A senior UN official criticized the continued violent crackdowns in Iran.