Increasing risk for human rights defenders in Iran and the region

The International Organization for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has warned of the increasing risk to human rights defenders in Iran and the region and called for practical support from the international community.

Front Line Defenders , an international human rights organization headquartered in Ireland, has expressed deep concern in its latest statement about the significant increase in risks for human rights activists as military conflicts in Iran and neighboring countries escalate. This concern comes at a time when border clashes and military attacks continue in the region, and the security of human rights defenders is facing unprecedented challenges.

According to the statement, periods of heightened armed conflict and political instability are often accompanied by increased pressures and risks for civil society activists and human rights defenders. When the rule of law is weakened and multiple armed actors are present in different areas, the space for repression of activists in the form of arbitrary detentions, threats, violence, and other forms of human rights violations is more open.

The organization emphasized in the statement that human rights defenders play a vital role in documenting violations, protecting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable, but that these individuals are currently at greater risk due to the high-risk and insecure conditions in the region.

One notable section of the statement is dedicated to the situation of imprisoned human rights defenders in Iran. The human rights organization warned that during military crises, prisoners’ access to health care, family contact, and independent monitoring may be severely restricted, putting their lives at greater risk.

The International Organization for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has also cited reports that security measures in Evin Prison have been tightened and food distribution in the prison has been disrupted, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of prisoners, especially human rights activists in the prison.

Concerns about the situation of prisoners in Iran have also been highlighted in other reports. Some sources, citing human rights activists and families of detainees, say that as military tensions continue, conditions in prisons, especially Evin Prison, have deteriorated, and the risk of repeating tragedies similar to those of previous periods has increased.

In addition, independent reports have shown that explosions and attacks near prisons have damaged their facilities, raising fears of increasingly dangerous conditions for both foreign and Iranian prisoners. Some of these reports indicate that windows and ceilings in parts of the prison have been hit, making it extremely difficult to contact families and obtain food and water.

Human rights organizations and other international bodies have also expressed concern about the human rights situation in Iran in recent weeks. For example, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned at a meeting of the Human Rights Council about the increased risk of executions and widespread human rights violations following the crackdown on protests.

Independent reports also show that ongoing military conflicts have caused many civilians, prisoners, and human rights defenders in Iran and across the region to face threats and risks to their lives and well-being, including the cutting off of internet access, restrictions on family contact, and an increase in arbitrary detentions.

Front Line Defenders concluded its statement by calling on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. The organization stated that preventing attacks on places where human rights are pursued and protecting defenders at risk must be a priority for the international community.

In addition, the organization has called on member states of the international community to take practical measures to protect human rights defenders in Iran and the region, including emergency asylum support and facilitating protection, not just mere statements.