39th Special Session on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran

23 January 2026

Oral statement, IRCT on behalf of the United against Torture Consortium

The IRCT together with OMCT, Omega Research Foundation and REDRESS, on behalf of the United Against Torture Consortium, welcomes the Special Session on Iran requested by Iceland and supported by 56 other States, members and observers.

We are deeply concerned by reports that nationwide protests in Iran were met with a severe crackdown, and mass killings of thousands of protesters and bystanders. On January 8th, for example, Iranian security forces allegedly used indiscriminate and excessive force during protests, violating the right to life and potentially amounting to torture and other ill-treatment.

Evidence shared with the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims' Independent Forensic Expert Group indicates that protesters were killed and seriously injured by security forces using rifles and shotguns firing metal pellets at close range. The analysis of injury patterns suggests that many victims were shot while fleeing or with their backs turned. It indicates that they posed no imminent threat at the time force was used against them. The severity of injuries, despite thick winter clothing, raises serious concerns that live ammunition was deployed.

Under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran is bound by the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality in policing assemblies.

These practices are incompatible with the absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment. They cause long-term medical and psychological harm and undermine public trust in state institutions.

We therefore call for the extension of the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran.

We also call for the systematic documentation and preservation of evidence, urgent investigations into alleged violations, and the assessment of their impact on victims and survivors, including for future accountability and reparations processes.

Thank you