
On Friday, during the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), representatives from various countries voiced serious concerns about the Iranian regime’s human rights record, highlighting issues such as the treatment of women, the use of the death penalty, and the repression of civil and political freedoms.
Spain expressed deep concern over the overall human rights situation in Iran, specifically calling for the abolition of the death penalty and an end to all forms of discrimination and repression against women.
Sweden raised the alarm about widespread human rights abuses in Iran, particularly against women and girls, and the extensive use of the death penalty, including for minors. The Swedish representative urged Tehran to cease arbitrary arrests and detentions, comply with Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and release all arbitrarily detained individuals.
Ukraine highlighted Iran’s support for aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the continued use of Iranian drones to kill civilians and destroy infrastructure. These actions were described as violations of international humanitarian law, and Ukraine called on the regime to honor its international obligations, cooperate fully with fact-finding missions, and halt executions and human rights abuses.
At #UPR48 🇬🇧@ESandersFCDO expressed deep concerns over its human rights record, recommending the following:
1️⃣ Guarantee all individuals fair trials, especially in death penalty cases, with obligations under #ICPPR
2️⃣ Grant access to @UN_HRC mandate holders, incl. the special… pic.twitter.com/0uHZHMHGui— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) January 25, 2025
The United Kingdom criticized the clerical regime’s failure to uphold its international human rights commitments, particularly condemning the violent enforcement of mandatory hijab laws, threats against human rights defenders and journalists, and discrimination against minorities.
Germany voiced grave concerns over the high execution rate in Iran, systemic gender discrimination, and lack of fair trials. The German representative called for the abolition of the death penalty, an end to gender-based discrimination, and protection of religious and ethnic minorities.
Estonia lamented Iran’s lack of cooperation with the UN’s independent fact-finding mission and expressed concern over widespread violence against women and girls as well as increasing restrictions on civil and political rights. France, Italy, Ireland, Finland, and Switzerland also joined in condemning the regime’s escalating human rights violations, including the rise in executions—particularly of minors—and the systemic oppression of women.
On January 24, Amb. Magnus Hellgren from @SwedenUN presented its first 2 recommendations to Iran at #UPR48 @UN_HRC:
1️⃣ Introduce a moratorium on the death penalty, including for juvenile offenders, aiming for abolition.
2️⃣ Eliminate, in law and practice, all forms of systematic… pic.twitter.com/Q3crvidakU— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) January 25, 2025
The session highlighted overwhelming global outrage at the Iranian regime’s brazen and persistent disregard for human rights, as well as its cynical use of the death penalty to silence dissent and perpetuate repression. Representatives demanded Iran engage with international bodies, enact substantive reforms, and fulfill its obligations under international law without further delay.