On January 24, Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) urged global leaders to unequivocally condemn Iran's worsening human rights record during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The UPR, held every four years, serves as a vital platform for assessing the human rights landscape in member states and identifying measures to address violations. Today’s session marks a critical opportunity for the international community to hold Iran accountable for its persistent abuses.

Escalating Violations and the Need for Accountability

WJWC calls on participating nations to denounce Iran's systemic repression, including arbitrary arrests, executions, suppression of public freedoms, and regressive laws. The aftermath of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests in 2022 saw intensified crackdowns, highlighting the regime's disregard for human rights. The UPR must deliver actionable recommendations to address these violations.

Tawakkol Karman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of WJWC, emphasized, “Since Iran’s last UPR in 2019, human rights abuses have multiplied. Thousands have been arrested, dozens executed, and basic freedoms severely curtailed. This review is a chance for the world to send an unequivocal message that such violations will not be tolerated.”

Adding to the urgency, Iranian authorities recently arrested 10 women of the Baha’i faith in Isfahan, continuing a pattern of persecution targeting minorities.

Karman added, “These arrests, carried out mere days before the UN session, underscore Tehran’s contempt for international norms. The global community must act decisively to end this escalating crisis.”

Overview of Human Rights in Iran 

Since the last Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Iran's authorities have intensified their assault on human rights, employing widespread intimidation, arbitrary arrests, lengthy prison sentences, and executions. Protesters, journalists, and those highlighting the dire situation of women have been particularly targeted. Despite a pardon order following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, the regime has continued its repression, rendering this period one of the bleakest for human rights in the Islamic Republic's history, especially for women. 

After Mahsa Amini's death, security forces responded to protests with excessive and deadly force. Reports estimate that over 550 protesters, including at least 68 children, were killed, and tens of thousands were detained. Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) has raised serious concerns about the lack of independent investigations into these violations, the impunity granted to perpetrators, and the absence of justice mechanisms for victims. 

• Right to Life

Iran's execution rate has soared, with 901 executions reported in 2024—an alarming increase from 853 in 2023 and 576 in 2022. This includes around 40 executions in a single week in December 2024. While many were executed for drug-related crimes, others were targeted for their involvement in protests or political dissent. 

An unprecedented rise in executions of women (31 cases) highlights the regime's weaponization of the death penalty. Many of these women were victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and acted in self-defense. Death sentences were also issued to politically active women—a development not seen in 15 years. These executions underscore the regime's strategy to instill fear and suppress dissent under the guise of legal authority. 

• Freedom of Expression, Association, and Assembly

Iranian authorities have systematically stifled free expression and assembly. Media outlets are heavily censored, and local journalists face constant harassment. External broadcast channels are disrupted, and popular mobile applications and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and YouTube, are frequently blocked. Internet shutdowns, particularly during protests, further restrict access to information. 

The UN Secretary-General has urged Iranian authorities to cease using internet disruptions, as they have unacceptable consequences for human rights. Civil society organizations, including unions and advocacy groups like the Iranian Teachers' Association, face arbitrary arrests, refusal of registration, and strict mandates to adhere to "Islamic principles" to operate. Families of detained protesters are also subjected to harassment and retaliation. 

• Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances

Since Mahsa Amini’s death, tens of thousands of individuals have been detained without due process. Many are held in unofficial detention centers operated by the Ministry of Intelligence, the Revolutionary Guards, or other agencies. These detainees—journalists, activists, protesters, and minorities—are often denied legal representation and contact with their families. 

Reports detail widespread torture and ill-treatment aimed at extracting confessions, overcrowded and unsanitary prison conditions, poor food and water quality, and denial of medical care. Political detainees are routinely subjected to solitary confinement and psychological abuse. 

• Discriminatory Laws Against Women and Girls

Iran’s legal system perpetuates systemic discrimination against women and girls, particularly through mandatory hijab laws. These laws violate fundamental human rights, including equality, freedom of expression, privacy, and autonomy. Women who resist these restrictions face severe punishment, including imprisonment and, in extreme cases, execution. 

Amendments to the Islamic Penal Code in 2021 further entrenched restrictions on religious freedom and expression, including the continuation of the death penalty for apostasy. 

• Judicial Independence

Iran's judiciary remains under the control of the executive branch. The Supreme Leader appoints key judicial figures, including the Chief Justice and Attorney General, ensuring adherence to state-approved political and religious ideologies. 

Revolutionary Courts, tasked with handling political and national security cases, operate with minimal transparency. Trials frequently rely on confessions obtained under torture, closed proceedings, and unverifiable evidence. Lawyers representing political detainees face intimidation, suspensions, arrests, and even prosecution. 

Calls and demands

WJWC calls on the international community to adopt the following measures:

• Suspend the Death Penalty: Freeze executions and revise laws to ensure alignment with international human rights standards.
• Ensure Freedom of Assembly: Protect the right to peaceful protest and prohibit arbitrary detention of demonstrators.
• End Impunity: Hold perpetrators of violence against protesters accountable and compensate victims' families.
• Ratify International Treaties: Urge Iran to adopt key conventions, including:

o             The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

o             The Convention Against Torture.

o             The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

• Enable International Monitoring: Facilitate access for UN Special Rapporteurs and other independent observers.
• Protect Digital Rights: Cease internet shutdowns and censorship, safeguarding citizens' rights to privacy and information.
• Strengthen Human Rights Institutions: Establish a national human rights body in accordance with the Paris Principles.

Conclusion

The international community must seize this moment to address Iran's egregious human rights violations. As Karman noted, “The UPR is not just a review; it is a moral obligation to defend the rights of those silenced by oppression. Iran’s people deserve justice, dignity, and freedom.” Through collective action and steadfast commitment, the world can support the Iranian people in their pursuit of fundamental rights and freedoms.