The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held a session on Tuesday, March 18, addressing the persistent and systemic human rights violations in Iran. During the meeting in Geneva, representatives from the European Union and several countries strongly condemned the Iranian regime’s increasing repression, mass executions, and systematic discrimination against women and minorities.
In its official statement, the European Union (EU) emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that reports presented to the UNHRC demonstrate “widespread and structural human rights violations” in Iran. The EU highlighted ongoing repression against women and girls, arbitrary arrests, and the use of torture and inhumane treatment in detention centers. “The use of capital punishment as a response to domestic dissent, including against persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, is unacceptable,” the statement read. The EU also urged the clerical regime in Iran to impose an immediate moratorium on executions and ultimately abolish the death penalty.
The United Kingdom echoed these concerns, calling the human rights situation in Iran “appalling,” with executions reaching a crisis level. British representatives pointed out the alarming rise in executions of women, many of whom were sentenced to death following unfair trials. They further criticized the Iranian regime’s continued enforcement of mandatory hijab laws, calling for their repeal.
Sara Hossain, Chair of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, briefed the @UN Human Rights Council on human rights violations in #Iran following the 2022 protests sparked by the unlawful death of Jina Mahsa Amini.#HRC58 pic.twitter.com/bGZ3PdG1Q2
— UN Human Rights Council (@UN_HRC) March 18, 2025
The Italian delegation expressed deep concern over the Iranian regime’s ongoing repression, particularly its arbitrary arrests, torture, and crackdowns on dissent. Italy also raised alarms over systematic discrimination against women and girls, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention.
The Spanish representative condemned the sharp increase in executions in 2024 and criticized the violence inflicted by Iranian security forces. Spain called for an end to the death penalty and denounced the dire conditions faced by detainees, as well as the state’s continued suppression of free speech and peaceful assembly.
The German delegation strongly condemned Iran’s use of capital punishment following unfair trials and its systematic use of torture to extract forced confessions. Germany underscored the ongoing suppression of civil liberties, including restrictions on freedom of information, religious practice, and political expression. The delegation called for the extension of the UN’s Special Rapporteur mandate and the Independent Fact-Finding Mission to further investigate Iran’s violations.
#Iran News in Brief
At the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, @JavaidRehman's UN report exposes a concerning 43% spike in executions in Iran, urging global attention to the escalating #humanrights crisis. Calls for justice for 1980 and 1988 massacres.… pic.twitter.com/S2BnyM1Ysq— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) March 18, 2024
Representatives from Switzerland and Austria also voiced serious concerns, with Switzerland noting that the number of executions in Iran had exceeded 900 in 2024 alone. Austria declared its full support for extending the mandates of the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission, emphasizing the gravity of human rights abuses committed by Iranian authorities.
Similarly, Australia, Estonia, and Ireland condemned Iran’s soaring execution rates and criticized the regime’s failure to uphold international human rights standards. They highlighted reports of forced confessions, inhumane detention conditions, and systemic impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations.
The Albanian representative noted the sharp deterioration of human rights in Iran, including arbitrary arrests, discrimination against minorities, and the execution of juvenile offenders—an act that constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
#UN Human Rights Council Renews Mandates For Fact-Finding Mission, Special Rapporteur On #Iranhttps://t.co/1ZwxSeHPXr
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 4, 2024
Belgium expressed deep concerns over Iran’s continued reliance on the death penalty, as documented by both the UN Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission. France lamented the increasing number of death sentences handed down to protesters and activists and denounced the Iranian regime’s expanded surveillance and control over digital spaces and dissidents abroad.
The Netherlands reported that at least 10 individuals were executed solely for exercising their right to peaceful protest, while 14 others currently face imminent execution. The Dutch delegation emphasized that many of the Iranian regime’s human rights violations qualify as crimes against humanity, urging immediate international action.
New Zealand, Luxembourg, and Costa Rica also condemned Iran’s systematic persecution of women, minorities, and political dissidents. The Costa Rican representative, speaking on behalf of 45 countries, highlighted the Iranian regime’s ongoing harassment of the families of those killed or executed during the 2022 protests. The statement called for the extension and expansion of the UN’s independent fact-finding mission.
The new UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in #Iran, @DrMaiSato, has warned the @UN Human Rights Council about a sharp rise in executions, persecution of marginalized groups, lack of transparency, and ongoing suppression of dissent by authorities.#HRC58 pic.twitter.com/XeK5j5vy1u
— UN Human Rights Council (@UN_HRC) March 18, 2025
In response to the damning reports and widespread international condemnation, the clerical regime’s representative at the UNHRC dismissed the findings and declared that the regime would refuse any cooperation with the Independent Fact-Finding Mission. The Iranian delegation warned that if the proposed resolution extending the mission’s mandate were passed, Tehran would reassess its engagement with UN human rights mechanisms.
Despite the regime’s defiance, the international community continues to demand accountability. With the overwhelming evidence presented by the UN Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission, there is increasing pressure for decisive action to curb Tehran’s human rights abuses and protect Iranian citizens from further repression.