UN Human Rights Council Convenes Special Session on 'Alarming Violence' in Iran

UNHRC Addresses Iran's Human Rights Situation

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is holding a special session today, January 23, 2026, in Geneva to discuss the 'deteriorating human rights situation' in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The urgent meeting, the 39th special session since the Council's inception in 2006, was convened following requests from numerous member states concerned by 'alarming violence' and crackdowns on protesters across the country.

International Call for Accountability

The special session was formally requested by Britain, Germany, Iceland, Moldova, and North Macedonia, highlighting 'credible reports of alarming violence, crackdowns on protesters and violations of international human rights law across the country'. To convene such a session, support from at least one-third of the Council's 47 members is required. The initiative garnered significant backing, with 21 member states officially supporting the request, including Albania, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, 30 observer states, such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine, also expressed their support.

Escalating Violence and Casualties Reported

The session comes amidst widespread reports of severe repression against anti-government protests, described as some of the largest in Iran's history. Human rights organizations and UN officials have voiced grave concerns over the scale of the crackdown. The Iran Human Rights non-governmental organization has verified that at least 3,428 protesters were killed by security forces, though it warns the true toll is likely much higher. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran has cited reports suggesting the number of civilians killed could exceed 20,000. Human Rights Watch reported mass killings of protesters following an escalation of nationwide protests on January 8, 2026, with thousands believed to have died. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also documented at least 28 deaths between December 31, 2025, and January 3, 2026.

The protests, initially driven by a deepening economic crisis, soaring inflation, and collapsing livelihoods, have been met with extreme repression, including the use of military-grade ammunition and heavy weaponry. Iranian authorities have not provided an official death toll.

Internet Blackouts and Calls for Accountability

A significant concern raised by international bodies is the implementation of widespread internet shutdowns, which have severely hampered information access and verification of events on the ground. The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, has condemned the violence, stating that 'the killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and the labelling of protesters as 'terrorists' to justify violence against them is unacceptable.' He also expressed alarm over statements from judicial officials indicating the potential use of the death penalty against protesters through expedited proceedings. Organizations like the American Jewish Committee (AJC) have urged the international community to hold Iran's leadership accountable through expanded sanctions and by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.

Ongoing International Scrutiny

The special session, taking place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, underscores the international community's growing alarm over the human rights situation in Iran. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. (GMT+1), will be webcast live in the six official languages of the United Nations, ensuring global attention on the unfolding crisis and the demands for accountability and respect for human rights in Iran.