UN slams Iran for escalating repression of dissidents

A woman with her hand-painted with the word "Freedom" takes part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in Athens, Greece, October 1, 2022
A woman with her hand-painted with the word "Freedom" takes part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in Athens, Greece, October 1, 2022

Iran is intensifying its crackdown on women, minorities, and human rights defenders, using surveillance, criminal prosecutions, and intimidation to crush dissent, according to a new United Nations report.

The UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran said Tehran continues to "ramp up efforts to restrict the rights of women and girls" and silence those demanding human rights.

“These repressive measures reflect the State’s ongoing persecutory conduct aimed at suppressing women and girls’ human rights and their right to equality,” the report published on Friday said.

Despite pre-election promises by President Masoud Pezeshkian to ease the enforcement of strict hijab laws, the government has increased its policing since last year. The "Noor Plan" has intensified surveillance and criminal prosecution of women who defy mandatory hijab rules, according to the report.

Sara Hossain, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, said, “For two years, Iran has refused to adequately acknowledge the demands for equality and justice that fueled the protests in 2022. The criminalization, surveillance, and continued repression of protesters, families of victims, and survivors, in particular women and girls, is deeply worrying.”

Women hold signs during a protest against the Islamic regime of Iran and following the death of Mahsa Amini, at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Mexico October 1, 2022.
Women hold signs during a protest against the Islamic regime of Iran and following the death of Mahsa Amini, at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Mexico October 1, 2022.

Women human rights defenders and activists continue to face severe penalties, including fines, long prison sentences, and even the death penalty for peaceful activism. The report noted that at least 11 men and three women remain at risk of execution, amid concerns about torture, forced confessions, and unfair trials.

“The Government’s policies have denied victims in Iran the right to truth, justice, and reparations,” said Viviana Krsticevic, an expert member of the Mission. “Given the gravity of the violations in the country and the serious risk of recurring violence against those who express dissent or challenge the State and its policies, it is crucial for the Human Rights Council to continue supporting the victims in their search for redress and non-repetition.”

The report also noted how the Iranian government has expanded surveillance beyond its borders. Iranian activists and journalists abroad have been targeted through online harassment and threats.

Victims of torture and families of those killed in the protests have been intimidated to remain silent. Those who speak out, including human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists, face threats and persecution. Many have been forced to flee the country.

Shaheen Sardar Ali, another expert member of the Mission, said, “It is imperative that comprehensive accountability measures also continue to be pursued outside the country.”

The Mission collected over 38,000 evidence items and interviewed 285 victims and witnesses. The report reaffirmed earlier findings of gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity, including rape, torture, and deaths falsely labeled as suicides.

Security forces showed "little or no distinction" between adult and child protesters, subjecting children to the same brutal treatment, including torture and unfair trials.

Ethnic and religious minorities, including Kurds, Baluchis, and LGBTQ+ individuals, were particularly targeted during the protests. The Mission also investigated the roles of Iran’s key state entities, including the Revolutionary Guard, police, morality police, and judiciary, finding these bodies responsible for widespread human rights violations.

The Mission compiled a confidential list of alleged perpetrators, which it will submit to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

This report follows another released on Thursday by UN Special Rapporteur Mai Sato, which condemned Iran for executing over 900 people in 2024, the highest number since 2015. Sato said, "Iran remains the highest per capita user of the death penalty globally."

Sato also criticized Iran’s new hijab law, which imposes harsh penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for women deemed non-compliant. "This law marks an unprecedented expansion of state control over women’s bodies and personal choices," she said.

The Fact-Finding Mission will present its full report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, March 18. The Mission urged the Council to appoint a new independent body to continue investigating human rights violations in Iran.