UN Report: Iranian Regime’s Human Rights Violations During 2022 Protests Amount to Crimes Against Humanity
A recent report by a UN fact-finding mission (FFM) has shed light on the Iranian regime’s brutal suppression of protests in 2022, revealing that these human rights violations amount to crimes against humanity. The FFM was established by the UN human rights council in November 2022, following the nationwide Woman, Life, Freedom protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody. The report concludes that the Iranian regime systematically violated human rights, specifically targeting women and girls.
The report corroborates accounts previously published in The Guardian, which highlighted the deliberate targeting of female protesters based on their gender. Shockingly, these women were shot at close range in the face and genitals, actions that the report cites as evidence of crimes committed by the state against its own civilian population. The report states, “The mission has…established that many of the serious human rights violations…amount to crimes against humanity – specifically those of murder; imprisonment; torture; rape and other forms of sexual violence; persecution; enforced disappearance and other inhumane acts.”
According to Human Rights Watch, over 500 people, including 68 children, were killed by security forces during the protests, with more than 20,000 protesters arrested. The FFM team concluded that the Iranian government committed a series of extensive and sustained acts that violated human rights, specifically targeting women, girls, and those expressing support for gender equality. These acts collectively constitute what the mission describes as gender persecution within the context of the protests and associated repression of fundamental rights.
The report further reveals horrifying details of the treatment endured by those arrested and detained by authorities. Beatings, rape, electrocution, forced nudity, and sexual assault were inflicted upon detainees, including children. LGBTQ+ individuals who were arrested during the protests also faced violence and human rights violations. Moreover, Iranian public officials intentionally subjected detainees to torture in order to extract forced confessions.
The report highlights that nine executions of individuals arrested during the protests occurred without fair trial and due process guarantees, violating their right to life and the prohibition against torture and ill-treatment. Despite the FFM’s request for cooperation, the Iranian regime has refused all attempts to communicate.
In response to these findings, the UN report calls upon the Iranian authorities to provide justice, truth, and reparations to the victims of human rights violations, survivors, and their families, in accordance with international human rights standards. Sara Hossain, chair of the FFM, emphasizes that these acts constitute a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in Iran, particularly targeting those who have demanded freedom, equality, dignity, and accountability. Hossain urges the government to immediately cease the repression of peaceful protesters, especially women and girls.
The FFM is expected to present its detailed 400-page report, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations, to the UN in Geneva at the end of March. However, as the report is released, human rights groups report that the Iranian government continues to target the families of protesters and those killed during the demonstrations. Journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, and doctors are also being targeted both within Iran and abroad.
Amnesty International’s latest report further exposes the Iranian authorities’ draconian campaign to enforce compulsory hijab laws on women and girls. The report reveals that women and girls are subjected to constant surveillance and policing, causing immense mental distress. From stopping female drivers on the road to imposing inhumane flogging and prison sentences, the Iranian authorities are terrorizing women and girls.
The UN report and Amnesty International’s findings highlight the urgent need for international attention and action to address the Iranian regime’s gross human rights violations. The international community must stand in solidarity with the victims and demand justice, accountability, and an end to the repression of peaceful protests. Only through collective efforts can we hope to bring about a world where human rights are respected and protected for all.