An open letter of fourteen political organizations in the “All-inclusive solidarity for freedom and democracy in Iran” coalition to the Deputy High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Neda Al-Nashif
Ms. Nada Al-Nashif
Deputy High Commissioner
United Nations Human Rights Commission
Date: January 30, 2024
Dear Ms. Nada Al-Nashif,
We have been informed of your forthcoming visit to Iran to assess the state of the death penalty and conduct research on women’s rights. It is our understanding that the regime of the Islamic Republic may endeavor to present engineered scenarios to obscure its transgressions, portraying a facade of normalcy.
Recent months have witnessed a significant surge in executions, with 95 individuals executed in the month of December alone. Simultaneously, pressures against the women’s rights movement have escalated, notably in the face of innocent lives lost due to the advocacy for a basic right—the freedom to choose not to wear the mandatory hijab.
The Islamic regime has a history of employing deception and concealment tactics to mask such oppressions. Considering the regime’s calculated approach, it is advisable to exercise caution and not succumb to their preconditions or orchestrated plans.
While executions may occur across different provinces, the primary execution center remains Qezal Hesar prison near Tehran. A firsthand visit to this facility, accompanied by discussions with prisoners, would greatly enhance your understanding of their lives and conditions.
It is important to note that the intensity of the regime’s violence is notably high in economically disadvantaged and discriminated regions such as Baluchistan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Al Ahvaz (Khuzestan), and Azerbaijan. Therefore, a visit to these areas is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the local populace, particularly regarding the implementation of the death penalty and acts of violence.
Over the past year and a half, the Woman, Life, Freedom movement has faced brutal suppression by the regime, particularly towards young individuals. We urge you to remain vigilant against deceptive techniques and fabricated scenarios during your visit to Iran.
The significance of your report on Iran, both in terms of influencing current developments within the country and your meticulous observation of the situation, cannot be overstated. Your findings will undoubtedly contribute to Iran’s historical narrative and leave a lasting impact on your professional and humanitarian reputation.
We, the undersigned, extend our sincere wishes for success on this crucial, historic, and sensitive mission.
Sincerely,
Signatures :
-Assembly of the Democratic and Lay Republican Movement -Federal og Iran
-Azerbaijan Democratic Party ( Iran)
-Balochistan People’s Party
-Balochistan United Front-Iran (F R)
-Council of Socialist Libertarians
-Cultural and political organisation of Türkmensahra
-Democratic Solidarity Party of Al Ahwaz
-Green Party of Iran
-Komleh Toilers of Iran
-Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran
-Republican solidarity organization to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran
-The Provisonal Council of the Iranian Left Socialists
-The United Bakhtiary&Lorestan Party
-Union of People’s Fedaian of Iran