ARTICLE 19 welcomes the publication of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s inaugural report to the Human Rights Council on the crimes of the Islamic Republic throughout Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom uprising, which began in September 2022.
ARTICLE 19 expresses grave concern following the publication of the Fact-Finding Mission (FFMI). The report underscores a systematic attempt to stifle dissent and silence voices demanding change. Most crucially, it concludes that many of these violations constitute crimes against humanity.
Especially concerning is the finding that these crimes, inflicted with discriminatory intent and in the context of the deprivation of fundamental rights, amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution. This intersects with ethnic and religious discrimination, highlighting a deeply entrenched system of oppression.
‘This is an important first step in accountability and to ending impunity for the Islamic Republic,” said Mahsa Alimardani, Senior Programme Officer for Middle East and North Africa. “Much more work must be done to achieve this, and we hope the states at the Human Rights Council garner the political will to vote for the continuation of the FFM and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.’
ARTICLE 19 contributed reporting and documentation regarding the crimes and abuses committed by the Islamic Republic in digital spaces. We are glad the Mission covered the harrowing methods technology has been used to instigate: specifically, to collect digital evidence and surveillance to further persecute protesters. The use of censorship and internet shutdowns were of particular concern in their assistance to these broader crimes.
In light of the magnitude of these crimes against the Iranian populace, and with ongoing investigations that continue to uncover substantial evidence, ARTICLE 19 urges all members of the UN Human Rights Council to support the renewal of the Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate during its 55th session. This critical step is essential for advancing towards holding those responsible accountable and ensuring justice for the victims.
We urge the states during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council to continue this work of accountability against the crimes of the Islamic republic by voting to continue the Fact-Finding Mission but also that of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran. This is a pivotal moment for the international community to stand together in defense of human rights and justice.