World Without Genocide, a global human rights organization, has honored Professor Javaid Rehman, former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, for his tireless efforts in defending the victims of Iran’s 1988 massacre of political prisoners.

The organization commended Prof. Rehman for his impartial dedication to human rights and his key role in documenting these atrocities. In an October 3, 2024 letter, Dr. Ellen J. Kennedy, Executive Director of World Without Genocide, expressed gratitude for Rehman’s extensive contributions to international human rights law. She highlighted his expertise in Islamic law and the protection of religious minorities.

During his tenure as the UN Special Rapporteur, Prof. Rehman pushed for transparent investigations into the 1988 massacre and advocated for preserving evidence to hold perpetrators accountable under international law. His commitment was seen as essential to ensuring that the crimes are not forgotten and that justice is pursued.

World Without Genocide, committed to educating and preventing genocides, emphasized that the 1988 massacre remains a critical issue for accountability. The organization reiterated that atrocities like these are preventable and often stem from deliberate political failures. Ensuring justice for the victims of such crimes, they affirmed, is a key step toward preventing future violations.