New York, October 29, 2023 – Experts in human rights, including UN Special Rapporteur on Iran and members of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, participated in a JVMI side event during the 78th UN General Assembly.
They urged UN Member States to oppose impunity in Iran and support accountability for the 1988 extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances of political prisoners.
A summary of this conference as follows:
Speakers:
The event featured various experts, including Prof. Javaid Rehman, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran; Dr. Grazyna Baranowska, Member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Amb. Stephen Rapp, Prof. Melanie O’Brien, and Ana Sami from JVMI. Representatives from Permanent Missions and the New York City Bar were also present.
Concerns and Statements:
Prof. Javaid Rehman highlighted the seriousness of the 1988 enforced disappearances and executions, citing crimes against humanity and enforced disappearances. He advocated for ending impunity and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
Dr. Grazyna Baranowska emphasized ongoing concerns about enforced disappearances, addressing the authorities’ obligation to locate burial sites and investigate the 1988 massacre.
Ambassador Stephen Rapp pointed out the absence of a proper judicial process during the 1988 massacre and the subsequent culture of impunity, leading to further human rights violations in Iran.
Prof. Melanie O’Brien stated that the 1988 massacre qualifies as crimes against humanity and highlighted the prevailing impunity emboldening perpetrators in Iran.
Calls to Action: The panel urged the inclusion of the 1988 extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances in the UNGA’s Third Committee resolution on Iran. They stressed the urgent need for an inquiry into the 1988 events and the pursuit of accountability for Iranian officials who violated international law.
The experts and JVMI representatives underscored the critical need to address the culture of impunity in Iran and the importance of supporting accountability for the victims and their families. They called upon the international community to take decisive actions towards ensuring justice and upholding human rights.
The videos of the lectures of this event can be seen in the following playlist:
