The High Commissioner for Human Rights gave an update on the status of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted that the report covered the period from 1 June 2020 to 17 March 2021. In terms of the economy, the country was experiencing worsening living standards, high inflation, and high unemployment, all of which fueled unrest and demonstrations.
COVID-19 pandemic had wreaked havoc
The authorities had demonstrated little willingness to implement substantial reforms at the political level. Sectoral sanctions had exacerbated economic suffering, and the COVID-19 pandemic had wreaked havoc on the already overburdened health care system; sanctions must be lifted, the report added.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI / MEK Iran), reported that the coronavirus death toll in 547 cities surpasses 319,700.
Executions of women and minorities
The existence of sanctions, however, does not absolve the government of its responsibility to respond to the pandemic in accordance with international human rights law.
At least 267 individuals, including nine women, will be killed in 2020. She also mentioned the deaths of at least 69 Kurdish people, some of whom were executed after being convicted on spurious accusations, while executions of minorities, notably Baloch, surged.
Lawyers and activists have been imprisoned
Lawyers and countless civil society activists have been imprisoned for pushing for women’s rights and the repeal of compulsory veiling legislation, according to the UN Human Rights Chief.
The investigation found a disturbing human rights landscape for Iranian women and men of all different religions, ethnic origins, social classes, and other statuses. The High Commissioner regretted that the framework for exercising one’s right to political participation did not meet international standards.
Antonio Guterres released a report
On June 9, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a report in which he emphasized Iran’s terrible human rights condition.
“The overall situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran remains of serious concern. Notwithstanding the economic crisis, aggravated by the imposition of sectoral sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic, internal factors involving impediments to the rule of law and weak justice and accountability mechanisms result in impunity, perpetuate existing violations and increase the risk of future violations.
November 2019 uprising
The failure to establish a mechanism in accordance with international law for accountability and remedy for violations committed in the context of protests in November 2019 is emblematic.
Protesters, human rights defenders, lawyers, and civil society actors continue to be subject to intimidation, arbitrary detention, and criminal prosecution, including the death penalty.” Mr. Guterres said in the report.
“Prisoners of conscience, political activists, human rights defenders, and lawyers are disproportionately excluded from temporary release. As a result, some political prisoners have been in prison for years without a single day of furlough. For example, Maryam Akbari Monfared, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for participating in protests in 2009, has been imprisoned for the past 12 years. Harassment against her increased after she filed a formal complaint, seeking an official investigation into the 1988 executions of political prisoners, including her siblings. “The report also noted.
The UN Secretary-new General’s report emphasizes the need for the international community to take action to confront Iran’s persistent human rights violations.
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