In a strongly worded letter to the clerical regime’s temporary Parliament Speaker, Sara Hossain, Chair of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, has urged that the recent death of the regime’s former president Ebrahim Raisi should not overshadow the grave human rights violations committed by Tehran. The Fact-Finding Mission, established following the Human Rights Council Resolution S-35/1 in response to the deteriorating situation of human rights in Iran, particularly concerning women and children, has released alarming findings after a year-long investigation.
The Mission’s findings, issued on March 8, 2024, highlight extensive and severe human rights abuses during the protests that began on September 16, 2022. These violations include crimes against humanity, carried out during the 2022 uprising.
Hossain called attention to the systemic nature of these violations, noting that they are embedded in the Iranian regime’s laws and policies that contravene international human rights obligations. The Fact-Finding Mission’s report underscores violations in areas such as gender equality, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly, alongside the use of torture and unfair trials.
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"the clerical regime counts on the appeasement policy of Western govts as well as the membership of its allies in the Human Rights Council.#FreeIran2023,https://t.co/Efi0FuQJ4M pic.twitter.com/c6AF8nKIBH— NCRI-U.S. Rep Office (@NCRIUS) June 28, 2023
The letter condemns the regime’s repressive measures, especially against women and children, and demands the repeal of discriminatory laws. Notably, the letter urges the disbandment of the “morality police” and the end of mandatory hijab laws. It also criticizes pending bills that threaten to further restrict digital freedom and enforce gender segregation, thereby exacerbating the repression of women.
Hossain’s letter specifically calls for:
- The repeal of vague criminal offenses used to suppress free speech and assembly.
- The abolition of mandatory hijab laws and other discriminatory policies.
- Legal reforms to prevent the use of lethal force except in situations of imminent threat.
- The prohibition of torture and the abolition of punishments like flogging and amputation.
- Increased access to international monitoring of detention centers.
- The cessation of undue restrictions on digital space and online activities.