39^th Special Session at the Human Rights Council
on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Introduction to L1. as orally revised

Mr. Vice-President,

On behalf of the Core Group, I have the honour to present draft resolution L.1 as orally revised on the “situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially in the context of the repression of nationwide protests starting on 28 December 2025.”

Excellencies,

It is the responsibility of this Council to respond to the most serious human rights situations.

We have therefore presented a draft resolution here today with clear objectives:

• To express deep concern about the ongoing deterioration of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the unprecedented scale of the violent crackdown and killings of protesters;
• And, to call on the Iranian authorities to respect and protect fundamental freedoms, to end violence and unlawful practices, and restore internet access immediately for all.

With no credible national accountability processes, those responsible enjoy systematic impunity for their actions. This only perpetuates an environment of fear and repression for the people of Iran.

The resolution responds to the situation before us, by renewing immediately the mechanisms originally scheduled for the upcoming Council session in March; that is:

1. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran, for an additional year,
2. And the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran for two years

It further requests the FFM to conduct an urgent inquiry into the response to the protests.

For efficiency, both mandates are renewed in one resolution reporting to the Council and the General Assembly through the same interactive dialogue. If adopted, no resolution on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran will be presented at the upcoming Council session.

It is vital that both mandates are renewed, as they provide distinct but complimentary functions to enable accountability.

Excellencies,

I thank all delegations for their constructive engagement and would like to inform you that  a second orally revised text has been tabled with two updates: (1) a preambular paragraph on obligations of  all States under article 2 of the UN Charter and (2) to re-insert the reference to economic grievances in relation to the protests that started on 28 December.

This afternoon’s adoption is about solidarity with all the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran who simply wish to enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms, without fear of reprisal or repression. A climate of fear and systematic impunity cannot be tolerated. Victims and survivors deserve truth, justice and accountability.

I call on all members of the Council to support the resolution today, and, if a vote is called, to vote in favour.

I thank you.