Joint Statement: ARTICLE 19, Impact Iran & Front Line Defenders (FFMI – Interactive Dialogue)

July 5 2023

Delivered by Roya Boroumand

I am delivering this statement on behalf of ARTICLE 19, the coalition Impact Iran and Front Line Defenders.

We welcome the investigation work of the Fact-Finding Mission and look forward to the precedent it will play in documenting the rights violations and international crimes committed in the Islamic Republic, paving the way to international criminal accountability.

Since the September uprising, protest-related arbitrary arrests and executions have continued as have the harassment and arrest of human rights defenders and protesters and their families –which are testament to Iran’s continued impunity.

Repression has been bolstered by legislative developments. Many provisions of  laws under consideration are in response to various forms of protest, including assemblies, defiance of discriminatory and degrading veiling laws and online and offline expression.

We are particularly concerned and alarmed by the authorities’ threats to mobilize surveillance and facilitate facial recognition technology to enforce compulsory veiling, the increasing reliance of digital repression and the use of internet disruptions and shutdowns that coincide with regional or city-wide protests in particular in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

Mr. President, Madame Chair,

Truth, justice, and accountability for the serious violations of human rights and international crimes committed in Iran are needed, required, and demanded. The Fact-Finding Mission has a key role to play, an immense task before it, and it needs the full support of the Human Rights Council’s members.

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SIGNATORIES

Impact Iran

ARTICLE 19

Front Line Defenders