Iran condemns extended UN investigation into rights violations
Also in Iran
Mahabad Kurd jailed in Iran for alleged KDPI links
US sanctions target Iranian drone, missile networks
Iran threatens shift toward nuclear arms if attacked by US or Israel
Iran summons Swiss envoy to protest US 'threats,' potential Israeli 'mischief': FM
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran on Friday condemned the extension of a United Nations investigation into human rights violations in the Islamic republic.
'The content of this resolution as lacking legal value and credibility due to the ill intent of its drafters,' Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a statement.
He accused Western countries, particularly the United Kingdom and Germany, of exerting political pressure and "following the United States in imposing illegal and inhuman sanctions against the Iranian nation."
The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday expressed concern over human rights violations in Iran, especially a surge in executions, and urged Tehran to 'fully repeal' its new hijab law. In a resolution adopted with 24 votes in favor, eight against, and 15 abstentions, the council decided to extend the mandate of its fact-finding mission for another year.
The mission was originally established in November 2022 during the Jin Jiyan Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom) protests to investigate human rights violations.
The Human Rights Council said it was alarmed 'at the ongoing surge in executions, including of individuals charged with offences that do not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes.'
Iran ranks second globally for known executions and the number of death penalties it implements has risen dramatically in recent years. Tehran has been accused by human rights groups of using the death penalty to suppress minority groups, like Baluchis and Kurds, who were active in the 2022 protests. Tehran executed an estimated 909 prisoners in 2024, with Kurds making up 20 percent of the total, the Oslo-based Hengaw human rights organization reported in February.
The Human Rights Council also urged a 'pause in implementation of the Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab and calling upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to fully repeal this law and all discriminatory compulsory veiling laws and policies, and to remove other barriers to the political and economic participation of women.'
The Chastity and Hijab Law was passed in reaction to challenges the government faced enforcing its existing hijab laws in the face of widespread protests in 2022, ignited by the death of young Kurdish woman Zhina (Mahsa) Amini while in the custody of the so-called morality police for a lax hijab.
Iran's parliament speaker said in March that the country is laying the necessary groundwork and regulations to implement the new controversial law.
Sarah Hashash, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, welcomed the expansion of the mission's mandate and its special rapporteur, saying it is important "for justice from survivors, victims' families and human rights defenders in Iran and in exile."
'Today's vote delivers a strong message to the Iranian authorities and their judges, prosecutors, security and intelligence agents that they cannot continue to commit serious violations and crimes under international law without the risk of consequences,' Hashash added.
At the Human Right Council meeting, Iran strongly criticized the resolution. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office Ali Bahraini described it as 'another waste of resources that will further shrivel trust in the work of this council.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
42 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Tehran: No evidence of nuclear deviation
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Iran asserted that its nuclear program remains peaceful, while its military intensified drone strikes on Israeli targets. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told Alaraby TV that Tehran's nuclear activities are legal, affirming, 'There is no evidence we've deviated from peaceful aims.' Baqaei accused Israel of obstructing diplomacy, insisting that Iran remains committed to dialogue. 'We never left the table.' Defending Tehran's recent military operations, Baqaei framed them as responses to Israeli aggression, warning that any US intervention would trigger a reaction 'in line with international law.' He also urged neighboring governments not to ignore what he described as Israel's destabilizing role in the region. Separately, Iran's military confirmed it had launched dozens of 'suicide drones ' in what it labeled the seventh and eighth phases of its aerial campaign, adding, 'Most drones reached their targets.' Tensions have escalated sharply since June 13, when Iran and Israel began openly trading daily missile and drone strikes. Despite mounting international pressure for de-escalation, both sides continue to exchange fire across multiple fronts.
Shafaq News
42 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Red Sea alert: Houthis to target US ships if Washington backs Israel
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Yemen's Ansarallah (Houthis) threatened to target the US interests in the Red Sea if Washington supports Israeli military operations against Iran. 'If the US involves in an attack and aggression against Iran with the Israeli enemy, the armed forces will target its ships and warships in the Red Sea,' the group wrote on X. The Houthis described Israel as 'the aggressor against Iran,' referencing previous operations in Gaza and current attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. It further accused Tel Aviv of seeking regional dominance, allegedly underwritten both openly and strategically by the United States. The movement explained that the objective of this project is to 'confiscate the freedom, independence, and dignity of our nation,' while also aiming to erode the region's identity, occupy land, exploit resources, and normalize violations of sacred sites and human life. The statement comes amid reports indicating that the United States is preparing to support Israel militarily in its confrontation with Iran. Tensions have sharply escalated following Israel's launch of Operation Rising Lion, a campaign of targeted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The operation has killed several senior commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and several key nuclear scientists. Iran responded with True Promise 3, its most extensive direct attack on Israeli territory to date. The retaliatory operation has so far included 18 waves of missile and drone strikes.
Shafaq News
42 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi oil ports 'UNAFFECTED' by regional tensions
Shafaq News/ Iraq's oil and commercial ports are functioning without disruption despite heightened security tensions across the region, the General Company for Ports of Iraq confirmed on Saturday. Speaking to Shafaq News, the company's Director General, Farhan Al-Fartousi, reported that maritime traffic at the Basra Oil Terminal and offshore single point moorings (SPMs) remains steady, with large tankers continuing to dock, offload, and depart according to schedule. 'All marine units are functioning under well-defined operational plans that ensure safety and continuity,' Al-Fartousi added, stressing that between June 1 and 20, a total of 48 oil tankers arrived at Iraqi ports. The reassurance comes as regional tensions mount sharply following Israel's launch of Operation Rising Lion — a series of targeted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran has retaliated with True Promise 3, its most extensive direct attack on Israeli territory to date. The Iranian operation has so far involved 18 waves of missile and drone strikes. With both sides signaling the possibility of further escalation, concerns have grown over potential impacts on maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for nearly 20% of global oil shipments.
