I am writing as a concerned individual to urge immediate, coordinated action regarding the escalating human rights crisis in Iran in 2026 and the associated risk of atrocity crimes.
Reports indicate patterns of serious violations, including lethal and excessive use of force against protesters, mass and arbitrary arrests, torture and ill-treatment (including in detention), denial of due process, intimidation of families, and restrictions on access to information such as internet disruptions. These patterns raise grave concerns that violations may be widespread and/or systematic and could amount to international crimes, including crimes against humanity.
I respectfully request that your office take the following actions, consistent with your mandate(s) and with international human rights law and the UN’s prevention and protection responsibilities: 1. Protection and Prevention • Publicly and consistently call for an immediate end to the use of lethal force against civilians, arbitrary detention, torture, and all forms of collective punishment. • Urge Iranian authorities to ensure access to medical care, legal counsel, and due process, and to end reprisals against families and witnesses. • Call for restoration and safeguarding of access to information (including internet connectivity) and protection of journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and civil society. 2. Monitoring, Documentation, and Evidence Preservation • Strengthen and fully resource independent monitoring and evidence collection, including by the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran and other relevant UN mechanisms. • Encourage secure channels for survivors and witnesses to submit information and for the preservation of digital evidence, while prioritizing safety and confidentiality. 3. Accountability and International Cooperation • Support concrete accountability pathways, including cooperation with UN mechanisms, and encourage states to pursue lawful measures such as targeted sanctions against responsible individuals and entities, and where applicable, proceedings under universal jurisdiction. • Encourage states to coordinate efforts to prevent further escalation and to protect those at heightened risk. 4. Engagement in Multilateral Fora • Where relevant, I urge you to support strong outcomes at the Human Rights Council and the UN system that match the gravity of the situation, including continued scrutiny, mandates renewal, and meaningful follow-up.
If helpful, I can share additional publicly available documentation and/or anonymized testimonies. Please advise on the safest way to submit any information, and on any specific formats or requirements for submissions.
Thank you for your attention and for your work to protect civilians, prevent further harm, and advance accountability.