The UN Human Rights Council examined human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. Reports highlighted repression in Iran post-Mahsa Amini’s death, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, and severe political repression in Venezuela. Experts called for accountability and transparency in all three nations.
During the recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, independent experts cast a spotlight on human rights violations occurring in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. Reports highlighted the serious breaches of fundamental rights in Iran, particularly linked to widespread protests that arose after the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Experts indicated that protesters, including children, faced deadly force and horrific treatment in detention, including torture and rape.
Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, stated that the Iranian Government has consistently failed to acknowledge the calls for justice and equality stemming from the protests. The harsh repression of protesters and their families, particularly affecting women and girls, continues to be a significant concern. The prevailing state-led oppression denies victims and survivors any hope of justice, compelling the need for accountability measures beyond national borders.
The Human Rights Council also addressed the situation in Syria, where Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Commission of Inquiry, urged efforts to discover the fate of thousands who have disappeared during the conflict. He expressed concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation and called for eliminating sanctions that impede recovery efforts. Pinheiro emphasized the importance of collaboration between caretaker authorities and human rights entities to seek truth and provide justice for affected families.
Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission on Venezuela, highlighted numerous severe human rights abuses, including political repression and unlawful detentions. She condemned the lack of electoral transparency during the 2024 presidential elections, asserting that credible testimonies indicated manipulation by electoral council members. Furthermore, a surge in arbitrary detentions before the upcoming presidential inauguration highlighted the risks to dissenters.
Valiñas reported on numerous fatalities linked to post-election protests, particularly referencing an incident where seven individuals were killed when security forces employed firearms against demonstrators. The treatment of detainees raised alarming concerns, with investigations revealing cases of torture resulting in fatalities attributed to inadequate medical care. The Venezuelan Government rejected these findings as politically driven, asserting that the mission’s reports lacked scientific rigor and were fueled by false narratives.
The UN Human Rights Council’s session revealed pressing human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. In Iran, state repression persists against protesters, with significant concerns over justice and accountability. The situation in Syria remains dire, with numerous missing persons and humanitarian crises needing urgent attention. Lastly, Venezuela faces political repression and electoral concerns, exacerbated by arbitrary detentions and inhumane treatment of detainees. There is a call across these nations for international support to address these urgent human rights challenges.
Original Source: news.un.org
