Several countries are calling for an urgent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to address the escalating violence in Iran. In a formal letter addressed to the council’s president, Britain, Germany, Iceland, Moldova, and North Macedonia emphasized the need for a special session to tackle the increasingly dire human rights situation in the nation.
The letter, which has been made public, articulates the necessity and urgency of convening such a meeting, stating, “A special session is needed because of the importance and urgency of the situation.” It references credible reports detailing severe violence, crackdowns on protesters, and violations of international human rights laws occurring across Iran.
This request follows massive anti-government protests that have erupted in the country, with reports indicating that a brutal crackdown by authorities has resulted in thousands of fatalities. The demonstrations seem to have dwindled recently, largely due to the government’s harsh measures and a week-long internet blackout that disrupted communication and information flow.
As international concern has mounted, the UN Security Council met in New York to discuss the turmoil. A source close to the matter revealed that there is already considerable support among members of the Human Rights Council for the proposed special session.
To move forward, the request requires backing from at least one-third of the council’s 47 members. Countries have until Monday to lend their support for the session, although a date for the meeting has yet to be established.
