UN Report Highlights Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Iran, Gazeta.uz reports with reference to UN.
A recent UN report sheds light on the situation in Iran following mass protests triggered by the death of 22-year-old Gina Mahsa Amini in September last year. The report highlights the worsening human rights conditions in the country, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges, sanctions, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, stated that the overall human rights situation in Iran has significantly deteriorated.
In the past year, Iranian courts issued a significant number of death sentences. "In 2022, 582 people were executed, a 75% increase compared to 333 executions reported in 2021. Among those executed in 2022 were three children, and 256 of them were sentenced for drug-related offenses," said Al-Nashif. These numbers represent the highest drug-related executions in Iran since 2017.
The report also reveals that approximately 20,000 individuals have been detained for their participation in protests, including thousands of children. Tragically, at least 44 children, including 10 girls, were killed by security forces using firearms, with the highest number of deaths reported in the Sistan and Baluchestan province.
The UN report highlights the increased violation of rights to freedom of expression and access to information since the start of the protests in Iran. The authorities maintain strict control over the digital space and have intensified online censorship. Access to certain social media platforms and messaging services has remained prohibited since September last year. Additionally, the state's policy regarding the mandatory wearing of the hijab has become more severe. Harsh punishments are imposed on women and girls who do not comply with this rule.
Al-Nashif emphasized that on August 15, 2022, President Ibrahim Raisi signed a directive endorsing the use of facial recognition technology to track and punish women who do not wear the hijab or question its obligatory nature. The report further mentions ongoing discussions in the Iranian parliament regarding amendments to the Penal Code, which would introduce new penalties for non-compliance with the hijab rule.
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