At least 21 people have been executed and more than 4,000 arrested on national security-related charges since late February, according to the human rights office, OHCHR. Among those executed are people linked to the protests, alleged members of opposition groups and people accused of espionage.
Türk stressed that even in times of war, fundamental protections must be respected.
“In times of war, threats to human rights increase exponentially,” he said, adding that fundamental rights such as protection against arbitrary detention and the right to a fair trial “must be respected absolutely, at all times.”
Stop executions and ensure due process
The High Commissioner called on the authorities to “stop all future executions, establish a moratorium on the use of capital punishment, fully guarantee due process and fair trial guarantees, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained.”
OHCHR warned that Iran’s widespread use of national security charges has put many people, including children, at risk.
Reports of torture, forced confessions, and denial of legal representation have raised serious due process concerns.
Detainees also face harsh conditions, with overcrowding, shortages of basic supplies and limited access to medical care. He Jailed Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi’s Health Reportedly Deterioratingwhile other detainees have died in custody in circumstances suggesting possible torture.
Internet blackouts
Authorities also imposed one of the world’s longest internet blackouts, cutting access for 61 days, making it one of the longest and most severe blackouts ever recorded.
“This is denying people across the country access to vital information, silencing independent voices and inflicting enormous social and economic damage.”said Mr. Türk.
“It is exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian and economic situation and must be lifted immediately.”
Displaced families in a shelter in Beirut, Lebanon. (archive)
Lebanon’s children caught in the crisis
The human cost of the conflict is also evident in other parts of the region. In Lebanon, children continue to be the most affected by instability and displacement, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Wednesday.
The agency warned that children with disabilities face increased risks during crises, noting that more than 38,000 people are receiving support through a national disability assistance program supported by partners.
Among them are 12,000 families – including 17,500 children – who have received urgent monetary assistance.
“Lebanon’s children need more than just a pause in hostilities,“said UNICEF.”They need stability, protection and the opportunity to continue growing, learning and dreaming.“