UNPO joins a coalition of Iranian and international human rights organizations in urging UN member states to support the renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. In a joint letter addressed to the UN Human Rights Council, the signatories underscore the urgent need for sustained international oversight as Iran continues to face an escalating human rights crisis marked by severe repression, systemic discrimination, and state-sponsored violence.
The joint letter outlines grave and ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by Iranian authorities, particularly in response to the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement. The UN’s independent international Fact-Finding Mission on Iran (FFMI) has documented multiple crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, with patterns of abuse disproportionately targeting women, ethnic and religious minorities, and perceived political dissenters. These violations persist against a backdrop of entrenched impunity, as Iranian authorities have taken no steps towards justice, accountability, or systemic reform.
The letter urges UN member states to act decisively at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, emphasizing that the Iranian government’s pattern of repression is not isolated but part of a broader, systemic crackdown on dissent. The signatories highlight that Iran’s refusal to engage meaningfully with UN human rights mechanisms and its persistent obstruction of international scrutiny must not be rewarded with inaction. Instead, the international community must reaffirm its commitment to justice and human rights by renewing and strengthening oversight mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable and support pathways for truth, justice, and reparations for victims.
The Special Rapporteur plays a crucial role in ensuring independent monitoring, exposing abuses, and engaging with Iranian authorities and the international community to protect fundamental rights. Meanwhile, the FFMI has contributed critical investigative work, uncovering patterns of repression and establishing the legal basis for accountability measures. The continuation of both mechanisms is essential for preventing further atrocities and supporting the victims of state-sponsored violence in Iran.
UNPO has long advocated for the protection of marginalized and oppressed communities worldwide, including Iran’s minorities, such as the Ahwazi, Iranian Kurdistan, West Balochistan, and Southern Azerbaijan communities, who remain disproportionately affected by the Iranian regime’s repressive policies. UNPO strongly believes that renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is crucial to maintaining international pressure, documenting ongoing violations, and ensuring the victims’ voices are heard. As Iran’s human rights situation continues to deteriorate, the continuation of investigative efforts remains indispensable in combating impunity and advancing the fundamental rights of all individuals subjected to state oppression in Iran.
The letter was signed by:
- Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize
- Abdorrahman Boroumand Center
- The Advocates for Human Rights
- Ahwaz Human Rights Organization
- All Human Rights for All in Iran
- Amnesty International
- Arseh Sevom
- Article 18
- ARTICLE 19
- Association for the human rights of the Azerbaijani people in Iran – AHRAZ
- The Baloch Activists Campaign
- Balochistan Human Rights Group
- Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
- Center for Human Rights in Iran
- The Centre for Supporters of Human Rights (CSHR)
- Ensemble Contre la Peine de Mort
- Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
- Harm Reduction International
- Human Rights Watch
- Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
- Impact Iran
- International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)
- International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
- International Educational Development, Inc. (IED)
- International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
- International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
- Iran Human Rights
- Iran Human Rights Documentation Center
- Justice for Iran
- Kurdistan Human Rights Association-Geneva (KMMK-G)
- Kurdistan Human Rights Network
- Kurdpa Human Rights Organization
- League for the Defence of Human Right in Iran (LDDHI)
- Miaan
- Minority Rights Group International (MRG)
- PEN America
- Rasank
- Siamak Pourzand Foundation
- United for Iran
- Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
- World Organization against Torture (OMCT)
- World Coalition Against the Death Penalty
- 6rang – Iranian Lesbian and Transgender Network
