GENEVA – The UN Human Rights Council on Friday decided to deepen its scrutiny of Iran over its violent crackdown on protests. Thousands of people, including children, were killed during the demonstrations, prompting calls to end the country’s “brutal repression.”
With 25 votes in favor, seven against, and the rest abstaining, the council extended the mandate of independent investigators. These investigators will continue gathering evidence to ensure accountability for human rights violations in Iran.
Iceland’s ambassador Einar Gunnarsson stressed that a climate of fear and impunity cannot be tolerated. He said victims and survivors deserve truth, justice, and accountability for the abuses they endured.
The resolution extends the special rapporteur on Iran for one year and prolongs a fact-finding mission for two years. The mission was first set up in November 2022 after the death of Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. It empowers investigators to probe serious human rights abuses and crimes linked to the protests.
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UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned the use of live ammunition against protesters, highlighting that thousands were killed, including children. He urged Iran to stop repression, release detainees, and impose a moratorium on the death penalty.
The resolution received criticism from Iran, which called it “biased” and politically motivated. Other countries, including Cuba and China, accused the council of double standards and interference in internal affairs.
Turk and NGOs noted that investigations have been hampered by Iran’s two-week internet shutdown. Official Iranian figures report 3,117 deaths, while other organizations suggest over 5,000, with some estimates reaching 25,000. Despite the protests largely ending, Turk warned that brutality and executions in Iran continue, with at least 1,500 people executed last year.
