The UN Human Rights Council addressed critical human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, exposing state repression, arbitrary detentions, and electoral misconduct. Investigators reported severe abuse in detention facilities and the plight of missing persons in Syria, while Venezuela faced scrutiny for political repression. Governments dismissed findings as politically motivated.
At a recent session held by the UN Human Rights Council, independent experts spotlighted the human rights situations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. The session emphasized grave rights violations, particularly in Iran, where popular protests erupted following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, reported that peaceful protests resulted in tragic consequences, with children being harmed by metal pellets during demonstrations. Investigators highlighted that in detention, these young people faced severe mistreatment, including torture and sexual violence.
The ongoing state repression in Iran was criticized by Hossein, who stated that perpetrators, victims, and their families continue to be subjected to harassment and intimidation. Despite the Iranian government’s obligation to provide redress, many victims express a lack of faith in the justice system’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
The Human Rights Council also discussed the situation in Syria, where Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Commission of Inquiry, urged for efforts to discover the truth behind the fates of tens of thousands missing under the Assad regime. He stressed the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis, as funding decreases and violence remains prevalent.
Pinheiro also indicated openness from the new Syrian authorities to collaborate on human rights issues but warned that humanitarian assistance faces significant barriers. Families of the missing seek answers and just solutions, necessitating largescale efforts with technical support from human rights organizations.
In Venezuela, Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, reported severe human rights violations, particularly political repression and arbitrary detentions. The contested 2024 presidential election results did not undergo thorough scrutiny by the judicial system, raising significant transparency concerns regarding the Electoral Council’s practices.
Following pre-election repression, many opposition figures were arrested, and widespread violence against anti-government protests was documented. Notably, Ms. Valiñas confirmed that military forces utilized firearms against protesters resulting in deaths during protests.
Additionally, there were alarming reports of detainees dying from alleged health complications while in custody, often as a result of torture. The Venezuelan government dismissed these findings as politically motivated, with officials asserting that the mission presented biased information devoid of scientific credibility.
The UN Human Rights Council’s latest session highlighted significant human rights violations in Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. In Iran, protesters, especially children, face violent repression and inadequate justice. Syria grapples with the fate of disappeared individuals amid ongoing humanitarian crises, while Venezuela encounters severe political repression and electoral manipulation. Despite investigative reports, affected governments have largely rejected the findings, asserting bias and political motives.
Original Source: news.un.org
