We write to express our outrage at the horrific mass killings of protesters by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We call on you without delay to ensure emergency action by the United Nations to address the regime’s assault on its own people, which amounts to grave, widespread and systematic violations of fundamental human rights.

Since December 28th, large-scale protests have erupted across Iran, reflecting longstanding demands of the Iranian people for fundamental rights, dignity, and accountability. The response of the regime has been marked by extreme and unlawful violence. Credible reports now estimate that between 12,000 to 20,000 protesters have been killed by the regime since the demonstrations began, with many more injured, arbitrarily detained, or forcibly disappeared. Bodies are piling up in makeshift morgues.

Regime security forces have reportedly used live ammunition against unarmed civilians, carried out mass arrests, and subjected detainees to torture and other ill-treatment. Detainees have been denied access to lawyers, family members, and medical care. Journalists, students, women, human rights defenders, and members of ethnic and religious minorities have been deliberately targeted. Internet shutdowns and severe restrictions on information have further obscured the full scale of violations and impeded independent scrutiny.

These acts constitute serious violations of international human rights law and amount to crimes under international law. They stand in direct contravention of Iran’s obligations under the United Nations Charter and core international human rights treaties, including protections for the right to life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and due process.

The continuing failure of the international community to respond decisively risks enabling further bloodshed and repression. At this critical juncture, decisive leadership from the United Nations system and its Member States is indispensable.

We therefore urgently call on you to:

1. Convene an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Human Rights Council, to address the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Iran;
2. Publicly and unequivocally condemn the horrific killing of protesters and other grave violations of international law committed by Iranian authorities;
3. Establish independent, international investigative mechanisms to ensure documentation, accountability, and justice;
4. Demand the immediate release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental rights; and
5. Ensure sustained UN monitoring and reporting on Iran until the violence and repression cease.

The people of Iran are risking and losing their lives for the peaceful exercise of rights guaranteed under international law. We must ensure that the voices of Iranian protesters are heard, protected, and upheld. The credibility of the United Nations and its Member States depends on a response that matches the scale and urgency of this crisis.