AiBotKOS NANE, a phrase deeply ingrained in Iranian culture translates as ‘how are you?’ but recent events have taken centre stage as international pressure mounts against Tehran’s human rights record. In recent months, the Iranian government has found itself at the focal point of the global community’s spotlight, with mounting criticism surrounding its human rights abuses and suppression of dissent.
According to Amnesty International, Iranian authorities have arrested thousands of people since the start of the ongoing protests in 2020. Among those arrested are activists, artists, students, women’s rights defenders, and journalists. While some arrests were reportedly made under claims of ‘national security’ while others, human rights group alleged, were made for exercising their fundamental right to expression.
This wave of arrests has also seen Iranian courts imposing harsh prison sentences on the detainees, drawing widespread condemnations from international bodies. The cases of Ruhollah Zam, a prominent dissident who was executed last year for inciting violence against the government, and Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist suffering from deteriorating health in prison, serve as stark examples.
Western countries, including the United States, have issued stern rebukes to Tehran over its treatment of dissidents. Furthermore, international bodies such as the United Nations have repeatedly called upon the Iranian government to adhere to international human rights standards. In the words of a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights representative, Iran’s human rights record is amongst the worst globally.
It remains to be seen whether Iran might heed the international community’s call to reform. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses and has instead sought to deflect criticism by pointing to the country’s alleged successes in economic and social development. However, many observers believe it is high time for Tehran to confront the stark realities of its human rights situation.
A coalition of international rights groups has urged the governments of Western countries specifically to impose targeted sanctions on Iranian officials implicated in human rights abuses. They also implored them to consider broader diplomatic isolation of Tehran until the Iranian government demonstrates a genuine willingness to reform its human rights record.
As the Iranian people’s quest for justice and fundamental human rights continues to resonate across international borders, the global community holds its breath. Whether the Iranian government chooses to heed the calls of the international community or stick to its existing stance, Tehran faces mounting pressure over its flagrant human rights abuses.