Families Urge Action On Violations At Iran’s Khavaran Cemetery

A view from Khavaran cemetery in the capital Tehran
A view from Khavaran cemetery in the capital Tehran

Norway based Victim’s Families for Transitional Justice has written to Javaid Rehman, Iran’s UN human rights rapporteur, about rights breaches at Khavaran Cemetery, Tehran.

The group has sent a letter to the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, urgently appealing for assistance in addressing the ongoing human rights violations against the families of political prisoners and victims of atrocities.

Recent reports have revealed a disturbing escalation of actions by Iranian authorities, including the destruction of graves belonging to Baha'i citizens and the excavation of a large number of new graves at Khavaran Cemetery.

“These actions constitute blatant violations of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, mourning, and peaceful assembly. The families of victims are subjected to intimidation, harassment, and emotional anguish, further exacerbating their trauma and suffering,” the letter stated.

Security forces obstructed the presence of families of political prisoners executed in the 1980s and the 1988 massacre on Friday, March 15, denying them their right to mourn and remember their relatives. Witnesses reported instances of security personnel demanding national identification from individuals attempting to access the cemetery.

The group requested an immediate and thorough investigation into the destruction of graves and the digging of new graves at Khavaran Cemetery and demanded that Iranian authorities cease all forms of harassment, intimidation, and obstruction against families of political prisoners and victims of atrocities.

Furthermore, the letter called for the protection of religious minorities, including the Baha'i community, and urged Rehman to pressure the Iranian government to respect its international obligations under human rights treaties and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.