Interactive Dialogue with OHCHR Special Rapporteur for Iran, Javaid Rehman

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

Human Rights Council – 52nd Session

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Special Rapporteur Rehman, thank you for your invaluable reporting.

Since the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s so-called “Morality Police” six months ago, we have witnessed a mass movement that has rightly captured the world’s attention, and my sincere admiration, while Iran’s leadership has conducted a relentless and violent crackdown on the people of Iran, simply to stamp out all dissent against the regime.

The Regime has responded to these protests with violence and oppression, and targeted online harassment and abuse against the women leading these protests, their families, and supporters. Authorities have killed hundreds in the streets, according to credible human rights organizations, and are using sham trials and harsh sentences, including hasty executions, to intimidate the people of Iran and suppress their protests. So far, authorities have executed four Iranian citizens in connection with the protests, and many more face charges that may carry the death penalty. The regime also continues to detain and intimidate journalists, cultural figures, athletes, lawyers, and human rights defenders, including the journalists who first reported Mahsa Amini’s death, Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi.

Sadly, the regime’s use of politically motivated detentions, killing of children, and imposition of sham trials and unjust death sentences are not new; special procedures mandate holders have diligently documented and covered Iran’s human rights violations and abuses for decades, ensuring that that these acts are properly brought to light.

Now, more than ever, we must strongly support the Special Rapporteur’s work documenting the Iranian government’s human rights abuses, and appreciate his support for the Fact-Finding Mission’s separate, vital work of uncovering the violence perpetrated against protestors. I am especially horrified by reports of the poisioning of 1,200 schoolgirls.

Looking forward, we must renew this mandate while we also support the work of the newly created Fact-Finding Mission, in the name of women, life, freedom.

Question: Special Rapporteur Rehman, how have you engaged with the newly formed Fact-Finding Mission?

I thank you.

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