The UN Human Rights Council examined severe human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, focusing on the aftermath of protests in Iran, the plight of the disappeared in Syria, and political repression in Venezuela. Independent experts reported on state violence, lack of accountability, and the refusal of governments to acknowledge their responsibilities, emphasizing the need for international support and investigation into these issues.
The UN Human Rights Council convened in Geneva, focusing on human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela during its recent session. Independent experts reported significant abuses, particularly in Iran, linked to the aftermath of the protests that erupted following Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022. Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, described the tragic outcome of these protests, highlighting children who were killed or severely injured by state forces employing dangerous ammunition.
The report indicated systemic repression where victims and their families endure harassment and violence without justice. Hossein emphasized the Iranian government’s refusal to address the demands for equality and justice stemming from the protests, citing the ongoing criminalization and intimidation of those seeking redress. Shaheen Ali, another member of the Mission, noted that victims are disillusioned with the Iranian legal system’s capabilities to provide justice, urging for accountability measures to be pursued internationally.
The situation in Syria was addressed by Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Commission of Inquiry, who called for efforts to uncover the fate of thousands who have disappeared under the Assad regime. While he acknowledged a willingness from new authorities to cooperate with investigations, he warned of a dire humanitarian situation leading to potential violence. He emphasized that significant efforts would be necessary to clarify the fates of the missing and that technical assistance from humanitarian entities would be crucial for progress.
In her address regarding Venezuela, Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission, highlighted severe human rights abuses including arbitrary detentions and political repression. She expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and contested results in the recent presidential elections. Additionally, reports indicated an increase in detentions of opposition figures prior to the inauguration in January 2025. The mission also reported fatalities resulting from state violence against protesters, with evidence confirmed through extensive video and photo analysis.
Moreover, Valiñas raised issues about deaths of detainees attributed to “health complications,” often linked to torture in state custody. The Venezuelan government dismissed the mission’s findings as politically motivated, with a representative claiming that the accusations stemmed from unverified and biased sources.
The Human Rights Council’s session underscored significant concerns regarding the violation of human rights in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. Reports revealed systemic abuses including state violence, repression of protests, and lack of accountability. Expert testimonies highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive investigation and support for victims. The opposition from the respective governments regarding these findings illustrates the ongoing struggle for human rights recognition in these regions, warranting continued international scrutiny and action.
Original Source: news.un.org
