UN fact-finding mission on Iran focuses on plight of civilians
A UN-backed fact-finding mission accuses Iran’s government of crimes against humanity during protests and the U.S. of war crimes in recent strikes, urging accountability and immediate ceasefires.
A UN-backed fact-finding mission reported that Iran’s security forces committed crimes against humanity during a violent crackdown on protests, including killings, torture, and enforced disappearances. The mission documented mass detentions, attacks on healthcare facilities, and the execution of at least 29 men linked to protests, with more than 70 facing imminent risk of execution. The report highlighted the killing of at least 221 children, some as young as two, and noted that families were left without information about detained relatives. The mission also found that security forces subjected detainees to torture, solitary confinement, and denial of legal advice.
The mission concluded that many violations by Iran amounted to crimes against humanity, including murder, imprisonment, and torture, carried out systematically against civilians. It emphasized that these acts were part of a widespread and coordinated attack, violating international human rights and humanitarian law. The report called for immediate cessation of all violations and full compensation for victims. The experts stressed the need for independent investigations and accountability for those responsible.
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, the mission found reasonable grounds to believe the U.S. committed war crimes. The strikes included a Tomahawk missile attack on a school in Minab, killing over 150 people, including about 120 children, and another strike in Lamard that killed 22 civilians using tungsten pellets. The mission described these attacks as indiscriminate, targeting civilian objects and causing significant civilian casualties.
The independent experts, not affiliated with the UN, urged both Iran and the U.S. to cease all violations immediately and work toward a permanent peace. They reiterated the UN’s call for combatants to halt hostilities and ensure allegations of violations are independently investigated. The report emphasized the need for accountability and justice for victims, while also calling for measures to prevent future abuses.