A coalition of rights activists and civil society groups is urging UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif to postpone her planned trip to Iran. The visit, scheduled for February 3, 2024, is being criticized due to concerns that it could be exploited by the Islamic Republic’s authorities for propaganda purposes. The concerns are particularly heightened in light of the recent surge in executions and the repression of the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran.
These organizations argue that the timing of the visit is problematic, especially just weeks before the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), during which crucial reports on Iran’s human rights situation are expected to be discussed. They fear that the Iranian authorities might use the visit to undermine the support for existing and necessary monitoring, reporting, and investigative mechanisms established by the HRC.
The activists are also skeptical about the potential positive outcomes of the visit, citing the Iranian authorities’ lack of political will to address long-standing human rights issues, including the death penalty and the rights of women and girls. Additionally, they point to Iran’s refusal to discuss these issues with the UN Human Rights Committee and its non-cooperation with the UN’s Fact-Finding Mission (FFM).
The appeal for postponement emphasizes the importance of ensuring that any high-level visit includes a strong monitoring component and guarantees of access to independent civil society actors and human rights defenders. The groups also suggest that the visit should occur only after the Fact-Finding Mission has issued its first report and following extensive engagement with Iranian civil society