The international human rights organization World Without Genocide honored Prof. Javaid Rehman, the former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, for his unwavering support of the victims of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran. The organization praised Prof. Rehman for his “impartial and unbiased dedication to upholding international human rights” and his significant contributions in documenting and addressing historical atrocities.
In a letter dated October 3, 2024, Dr. Ellen J. Kennedy, the executive director of World Without Genocide, expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Rehman’s extensive work in defending human rights. She highlighted his academic and professional career, emphasizing his expertise in Islamic law, state practices, and international human rights law, as well as his research on the protection of religious minorities.
The organization stressed the importance of Prof. Rehman’s efforts as the UN Special Rapporteur, where he consistently advocated for transparent investigations into these crimes against humanity. He called for international efforts to collect and preserve evidence, aiming to hold those responsible accountable under international law. Prof. Rehman’s courage and determination to bring the truth to light were praised as crucial in keeping the memory of the massacre alive and in pushing for an accurate historical record.
UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman Targeted by Iranian Regime After Human Rights Report#Iran #HumanRights #1988Massacrehttps://t.co/eR6qAuBMHE
— NCRI-U.S. Rep Office (@NCRIUS) September 5, 2024
World Without Genocide emphasized its mission to educate about past and current conflicts, advocate for the protection of innocent people, prevent genocide, and prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes. In its message to Prof. Rehman, the organization reiterated that genocides are not inevitable but the result of deliberate actions and political failures. The organization reaffirmed that justice for the victims of the 1988 massacre is a crucial step toward ensuring accountability for gross human rights violations.
The full letter follows below: