EU Statement - Special Session on the human rights situation in Iran

EU Statement - Special Session on the human rights situation in Iran

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Special Session on the human rights situation in Iran

EU statement - 23 January 2026

Mr President,

The EU stands in solidarity with the Iranian people, who have voiced their legitimate aspirations for a better life, freedom, and dignity.

We strongly condemn the brutal repression of peaceful protests across Iran, and the use of violence by security forces against peaceful demonstrators, including the use of excessive and lethal force, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians. We extend our condolences to all Iranians who are mourning their loved ones. We also condemn the reported widespread arbitrary arrests and detentions, including incommunicado detentions.

Such gross violations and abuses must immediately stop. The people's legitimate grievances and aspirations must be addressed through dialogue, not violence. The EU urges Iranian authorities to fully adhere to Iran's international obligations and fully uphold international law, including international human rights law and the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

All individuals arbitrarily detained for peacefully exercising these rights must be released immediately. We follow closely the reports regarding possible summary trials of peaceful protesters who could face harsh punishments including the death penalty. The EU strongly condemns any use of the death penalty and other harsh punishments as a means to supress internal dissent. We urge Iranian authorities to stop all executions and pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of capital punishment.

The nationwide communications blackout imposed for over two weeks now is unacceptable. Large-scale internet shutdowns are incompatible with human rights and with international commitments to protect them. The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association include the ability to communicate and access to information online. We follow closely developments in this regard and urge Iranian authorities to restore all communications, including full access to the internet, and to ensure the right of free access to information for all, and enable independent human rights monitoring.

There must be accountability for the dire events of the past weeks, and justice must be done for all those who were killed, injured or detained only for exercising their human rights and for voicing legitimate demands. Therefore, the EU fully supports the renewal of the mandates of the Fact-Finding Mission and of the Special Rapporteur on Iran and supports the request for an urgent inquiry into the events. It is paramount to end the cycle of systemic impunity for gross human rights violations carried out by State officials, as has already previously been reported by the FFM.

In light of the gravity of the repression, the EU and its EU Member States are exploring various tools to respond to this situation and support the Iranian people. Since 2011, the EU has taken targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. We will take further measures to target those responsible for the ongoing human rights violations and the repression.

We also extend our full support to civil society and human rights defenders who are playing a crucial role in standing up for human rights, gathering evidence, and sharing information with the international community in a very challenging context.

Thank you, Mr President.