Human Rights Groups Urge UN Investigation into Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Iran Protests

International Call for Investigation

More than 30 human rights and civil society groups have formally urged the United Nations to launch an investigation into allegations that Iran's regime utilized chemical weapons against protesters in January 2026. This appeal follows a severe crackdown on nationwide demonstrations, particularly on January 8 and 9, 2026, which resulted in a significant number of casualties.

The coalition of organizations, which includes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, has specifically called upon member states of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to invoke mechanisms under Article IX of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). This would initiate a formal request for clarification from Tehran and potentially lead to a challenge inspection and the deployment of an independent expert mission if Iran's response is deemed inadequate.

Allegations and Witness Accounts

Eyewitness testimony, medical evaluations, and independent reporting suggest that Iranian security forces deployed 'non-standard chemical agents' or 'incapacitating chemical and drug-based agents' during the suppression of protests. Victims have described experiencing symptoms far more severe than those associated with ordinary tear gas. These include:

• Respiratory distress
• Neurological impairment
• Cardiovascular instability
• Persistent headaches and dizziness
• Burning eyes and skin
• Acute breathing difficulties and repeated coughing, sometimes with blood
• Sudden weakness, fainting, and loss of balance or movement

Some witnesses also reported a distinct odor resembling 'ammonia, drain cleaner and, in some areas, mustard.' Iran is a signatory to the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, which strictly prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons.

Context of January 2026 Protests

The protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances, but quickly escalated into a broader movement demanding fundamental change. The Iranian authorities responded with an 'unprecedented deadly crackdown,' particularly on January 8 and 9. Reports indicate that thousands of protesters were killed during this period, with some sources citing figures as high as 36,500 fatalities.

A nationwide internet blackout was imposed starting January 8, 2026, severely impeding communication and making independent verification of events challenging. The UN Human Rights Council had previously extended the mandate of its Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran on January 23, 2026, to investigate alleged human rights violations in the country.

Demands for Accountability

The human rights groups are advocating for a public factual report detailing findings and levels of cooperation from Iran. They also seek coordinated diplomatic, legal, and financial consequences, including referral to relevant United Nations bodies, should Tehran deny or obstruct the investigative process. The groups emphasize that 'Continued delay enables further harm, the destruction of evidence, and impunity,' and that any use of chemical agents against civilians would constitute 'a grave violation of international law.'