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Rights experts alarmed by violent civil society crackdown in Iran |



Six Special Rapporteurs were alerted by recent increase in arbitrary arrests teachers, labor activists, union leaders, lawyers, human rights defenders and others.

Protests have spread across Iran since early May, following the government’s decision to cut subsidies for food items. At least five protesters were killed by the excessive use of force by security personnel.

Economic situation towards

“The crackdown comes against the backdrop of an extremely dire economic situation, which the authorities themselves acknowledge. We reiterate that the Government has a primary obligation to protect and promote human rights, including mitigating the impact of sanctions,” speak experts.

Over the past year, the Iranian Teachers Trade Association has organized a number of protests across the country to protest against working conditions and low wages, as well as the arrest of teachers and restrictions on public education for all. everyone.

Transport workers’ unions joined protests held in several cities on May 1, which is both International Workers’ Day and Teachers’ Day celebrated in the country.

National Security Declaration

More than 80 educators were arrested or summoned, and the homes of several unionists and teachers were raided. No teacher has access to an attorney.

Iranian authorities claimed the arrests were caused by “the infiltration of foreign-linked elements into the ranks of teachers and workers”, threatening order and security in the country, experts said. the United Nations said.

Several prominent lawyers have also been arrested in the crackdown, some of whom face national security charges.

Protests also broke out last month in Khuzestan province after a 10-story building collapsed in the provincial capital Abadan, leaving more than 40 people dead and many others missing.

The protesters criticized the authorities for allowing the construction of the building, despite expert assessments advising against it.

Address the underlying causes

UN experts say residential space in Iran “is becoming unbelievably tight” in Iran, citing large-scale arrests and the recent decision to disband the Life Relief Society. Popular member Imam Ali, the largest non-governmental organization (NGO) in the country.

The Court of Appeal supported the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs to dissolve the NGO, which has been working extensively in poverty alleviation.

Experts urge authorities to address the underlying causes of the protests and ensure citizens can exercise their rights in peace.

“In the absence of meaningful channels of engagement in Iran, the current peaceful protests The only means left for individuals and groups to express themselves and share their grievances with the authorities,” they said.

“We are extremely concerned that the government’s first response is security, which involves the excessive use of force against the protesters, with what appears to be an active policy of covering up. deter perpetrators and prevent accountability.”

Role of the UN Rapporteur

The Special Rapporteurs issued a statement appointed by the United Nations Dong Nhan Quyen Association in Geneva.

They have personal duties covering issues including the human rights situation in Iran, and the right to freedom of assembly, association, opinion and peaceful expression.

The Special Rapporteurs report to the Council and act as individuals. They are not employees of the United Nations and are not paid for their work.



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