Iran Human Rights Report 2024 

Quick Facts on Iran Human Rights 2024:

1. Protests and Crackdowns on Dissent
2. Unjust Trials and Death Penalties
3. Gender Discrimination in Iran
4. Persecution of Minorities
5. Torture and Unfair Trials

Iran’s human rights violations demand global attention

Following the death of Iranian-Kurdish lady Mahsa Jina Amini in the hands of morality police in September, Iranian women’s rights authorities violently put an end to the “woman, life, freedom” protests, killing hundreds of demonstrators and detaining thousands more in Iran human rights violations. Many activists, including dissidents, members of ethnic and religious minorities, and human rights advocates, are still behind bars on nebulous national security allegations or are serving sentences following egregiously unfair trials. Domestic abuse in Iran, as part of a pattern of grave abuses, protesters, including women and children, were subjected to enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful killings, and sexual assault. The reported fatalities of some 500 protesters, including at least 68 children, are being looked into by human rights organizations. According to reports, security personnel used a variety of bullets to shoot the victims in most of the cases.

Crackdown on dissent in Iran

Iranian political rights use the nebulously worded national security charges, such as allegedly causing harm to others or damaging public property, that carry the death penalty against demonstrators and have been significantly increased by judicial authorities. Authorities sentenced 25 individuals to death in connection with the protests after egregiously unjust trials in which many of them were denied the right to choose their attorney. As of September 20, the Supreme Court had overturned 11 cases, and authorities had executed seven people. With a presidential administration and supreme authority held by a Supreme Leader, Iran is formally a unitary Islamic republic. The autocratic administration has drawn a lot of criticism for gravely violating civil liberties and human rights. Numerous nations, particularly the United States, and international organizations have implemented various sanctions against Iran. After Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022, Iran was the most sanctioned nation in the world until Russia overtook it. Hundreds of activists, attorneys, journalists, students, and artists were arrested by Iranian authorities, who also severely curtailed ‌freedoms of assembly and expression. To prevent memorial services from being held on the anniversaries of the deaths, the authorities frequently targeted vocal relatives of those slain or relatives of demonstrators who were put to death following unfair trials.

Freedom of expression in Iran

Systemic aspects of the Iranian women’s protest crackdown on anti-government rallies include torture and mistreatment of detainees, as well as violations of due process rights and fair trial norms. Judges in revolutionary courts have consistently disregarded claims of torture and cruel treatment, even in cases where prisoners have received death sentences. When it comes to personal status issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child-related decisions, women are discriminated against. According to civil law, a husband can decide where his wife lives and can forbid her from working in certain professions if he believes they go against “family values.” According to the Passports Law, a married woman cannot travel abroad or get a passport without her husband’s written consent, which he may withdraw at any moment.

Persecution of minorities

In a new resolution, the UN General Assembly denounced the Islamic Republic of Iran for violating human rights, including those of the Baha’i community, and stated that the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief was “continually severely limited and increasingly restricted” for Baha’is and others. There were 68 abstentions and 27 votes against the motion, while 80 countries supported it. The yearly resolution, which was approved by the General Assembly with 78 votes in 2023, has gained momentum with this vote. The resolution, which was initially approved by the Third Committee of the General Assembly in November and was co-signed by 49 member states and sponsored by Canada, also urges Iran to change Articles 499 and 500 of its penal code. 

Torture and unfair trials

In light of Iran’s military backing for Russia’s aggressive conflict against Ukraine, the Council agreed to expand the EU’s framework for restrictive measures. The ruling forbids the EU from exporting, transferring, supplying, or selling parts used in the creation and manufacturing of drones and missiles to Iran. In addition, the Council imposed restrictions on four organizations and one person. Iranian authorities have reportedly murdered at least 87 people in the month following the late June 2024 presidential elections. Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, a Kurdish man executed during the nationwide “Women, Life, Freedom” demonstrations in 2022 after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Jina Amini in jail, was one of those put to death.

“Examine in detail and independently any claims of human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic of Iran in connection with the demonstrations that started on September 16, 2022, particularly concerning women and children.” In June 2023, the fact-finding mission gave an oral update, and in March 2024, it is expected to provide its final report.

Iranian human rights violations and discrimination were experienced by women and girls, LGBTI individuals, and members of ethnic and religious minorities.

Key Takeaways of Iran Human Rights Report 2024

• Protest Suppression: Hundreds killed and thousands detained during the crackdown on the “woman, life, freedom” protests.
• Unjust Trials and Executions: Activists faced egregiously unfair trials, with 25 sentenced to death and 7 executed.
• Gender Inequality: Women face legal discrimination in personal status laws, travel, and employment.
• Persecution of Minorities: Ethnic and religious minorities, including the Baha’i, endure severe restrictions and systemic discrimination.

Global Sanctions and Accountability: Iran remains heavily sanctioned, with international calls to address human rights abuses and reform unjust policies.