During the 79th session of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, representatives from various countries expressed serious concerns about Iran’s human rights record. The dialogue was informed by the report of Special Rapporteur Mai Sato, which highlighted systemic abuses, discrimination, and an alarming surge in executions under the current Iranian regime.
Special Rapporteur Mai Sato delivered a critical assessment of Iran’s human rights situation, emphasizing that while sanctions can have adverse impacts, they should not be used by the regime as a justification for its human rights violations. “The solution to tension cannot simply be subjecting human rights to cultural and religious preferences,” Sato noted, stressing the universality of human rights. She pointed out the disproportionate use of the death penalty, especially against ethnic and religious minorities and juvenile offenders, and emphasized, “Women have the right to participate in society, maintain their security and autonomy, whether they wear the hijab or not.” Sato called on Iranian authorities to stop punishing women who choose not to adhere to mandatory hijab laws and addressed the shrinking space for civil dissent, where citizens are targeted for peaceful expression.
#Iran: must prioritize women’s rights, the right to life, and improve transparency, says UN expert @drmaisato . In her first report, she highlights the alarming increase in executions and the deteriorating #humanrights situation for women and girls.https://t.co/RcrIryMaw3 pic.twitter.com/rUU8rLYILb
— UN Special Procedures (@UN_SPExperts) November 1, 2024
The European Union expressed deep concern about the Iranian regime’s persistent human rights violations, emphasizing “continued discrimination, in law and in practice, and repression of women and girls and ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities.” The EU stated, “The EU strongly condemns all executions, particularly those of juvenile offenders, dissidents, and protesters,” and called for steps to stop the criminalization of women, girls, and minorities for exercising their human rights.
The Czech Republic aligned with the EU’s statement and pointed to the sharp increase in executions. “We are seriously concerned about the increase in executions and the apparent new trend of sentencing female activists…to death after being convicted of crimes against national security,” the Czech representative stated. They called for the abolition of capital punishment and for an end to using national security laws as a pretext for suppressing dissent.
The United States representative condemned the regime’s practices, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and the violent repression of dissenters. The U.S. noted that arbitrary arrests and detention, gender-based violence, torture, unfair trials, and internet shutdowns reflect the regime’s hostility to universal human rights. The U.S. highlighted Tehran’s targeting of opposition figures abroad through cross-border operations, including abductions and surveillance.
Congrats to @drmaisato on her first ID at Third Committee including laying out a clear vision for the next 6 years of the mandate. Iran’s offer of providing ‘information’ is promising. @BirkbeckUoL @impactiran https://t.co/aUKcqGCtlU
— Ahmed Shaheed (@ahmedshaheed) November 2, 2024
France strongly condemned Iran’s increasing use of the death penalty, highlighting the recent execution of dual German-Iranian citizen Jamshid Sharmahd as a stark example. The French representative expressed that using executions as a response to public demands for freedom is unjustifiable. France reaffirmed its consistent opposition to capital punishment and called on Iran to adhere to its international human rights obligations.
Australia highlighted the ongoing oppression faced by women and girls in Iran and the violent enforcement of the mandatory hijab law. “We remain deeply concerned by Iran’s ongoing oppression of women and girls and persecution of women’s human rights advocates,” the Australian representative said. The statement condemned the use of arbitrary detentions and reported that journalists and human rights defenders are subjected to inhumane prison conditions. Australia also condemned the execution of Iranian-German Jamshid Sharmahd.
Norway expressed deep concern over the unprecedented rise in executions in Iran, emphasizing its unwavering opposition to the use of the death penalty under any circumstances. The Norwegian representative called on Iran, both in bilateral and multilateral forums, to abolish capital punishment and highlighted particular concerns regarding its use against juvenile offenders. Addressing the Special Rapporteur, Norway expressed regret that previous mandate holders were denied entry to Iran. It inquired how the international community could best support her work and ensure she had the necessary tools to report on Iran’s human rights situation effectively.
UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran @drmaisato speaks at the Third Committee, 38th plenary meeting – General Assembly, 79th session pic.twitter.com/kEY7UTx0LT
— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) November 1, 2024
The representative of Iceland voiced strong support for the UN Special Rapporteur’s mandate, praising Mai Sato’s “holistic and intersectional approach” to addressing rights violations in Iran. The representative highlighted serious concerns about the surge in executions and the continued repression of civic space, especially violent crackdowns on women, girls, and minorities. Iceland stressed that “the dire human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran must be addressed” to achieve justice and respond to the people’s calls for their rights.
Ireland condemned the continued discrimination and repression of the Baha’i community in Iran and called for legal reforms to protect freedom of expression and belief. It expressed strong concern over the excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests of women, demanding the immediate release of all those detained unjustly. Ireland also highlighted its concern regarding Iran’s use of regional influence, urging it to comply with international law to promote human rights.
The United Kingdom expressed serious concern over Tehran’s extensive use of the death penalty, noting that executions have reached critical levels, often for crimes that do not meet the threshold of serious offenses under international law. The representative highlighted the disproportionate execution of ethnic minorities and juvenile offenders, frequently without fair trials. The UK condemned the crackdown on women over mandatory hijab laws, which has led to arrests, detentions, and corporal punishment, and noted the alarming increase in targeting Baha’i women, who constitute the majority of imprisoned members of their community.
Representative of @EUatUN at the UNGA Third Committee 38th plenary meeting reiterates the @eu_eeas opposition to the use of the death penalty and strongly condemns all executions, among others of juvenile offenders, dissidents and protesters. #StopExecutionsinIran pic.twitter.com/oxAUwuK8Ku
— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) November 1, 2024
Ukraine condemned severe human rights violations in Iran, including the suppression of peaceful protests and a rise in executions involving women and children. The representative highlighted Iran’s domestic oppression and its link to international conduct, citing the provision of 1,000 Shahed drones to Russia, which have caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in Ukraine. Ukraine urged the clerical regime in Iran to cease supporting Russia’s war efforts and prioritize the needs of its own people.
Switzerland expressed deep concern over the steady rise in executions in Iran, with over 600 reported in 2024 alone. The Swiss representative urged Iran to reverse this trend and restrict the death penalty to the most serious crimes as a step toward abolition. Switzerland also highlighted concerns over the repression of women and girls, including the mandatory hijab and child marriages, calling for the repeal of discriminatory laws and urging cooperation with international human rights bodies and the OHCHR.
Australia remains deeply concerned by Iran's use of the death penalty, including against women and girls, juvenile offenders political opponents, protesters and ethnic and religious minorities.
We continue to call on Iran to cease executions.
Read more: https://t.co/ZSHDTHHbkq pic.twitter.com/B1lcMHbjzO
— Ambassador James Larsen 🇦🇺🇺🇳 (@AustraliaUN) November 1, 2024
Canada expressed regret over Iran’s targeting of women, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, and journalists. The representative condemned the brutal use of the death penalty, noting its violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Canadian representative called on Tehran to promote human rights by fully cooperating with the Special Rapporteur and allowing unfettered access to information and the country. The representative asked how the Special Rapporteur plans to address the persistent lack of accountability for human rights violations in Iran.
These statements reflect a broad international condemnation of Iran’s human rights practices, emphasizing the need for accountability and reforms in adherence to global standards.
Since the appointment of President Masoud Pezeshkian, some observers and media outlets have attempted to present him as a moderate figure. However, the sharp increase in executions and the continued suppression of dissent under his leadership, as highlighted in the Special Rapporteur’s report, have once again demonstrated that there is no room for moderation within this regime. The clerical dictatorship in Iran remains sustained by internal repression and external aggression, using executions and violence as key tools to maintain control.
