The United Nations Special Rapporteur warned of the “unprecedented deterioration of the human rights situation” in Iran, stating that following Israel’s military strikes in June, the Iranian regime has embarked on a path of “crimes against humanity” through widespread executions, extraterritorial repression, and the severe restriction of civil society.
Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, told the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee session in New York on October 30 that the Iranian people are victims on two fronts — foreign military attacks and intensified domestic repression by their own government.
UN Rapporteur Expresses Concern Over Possible Enforced Disappearance Of Evin Prison Detainees
She strongly criticized the large-scale executions, the adoption of a “new espionage law,” and the “surge in mass arrests” across Iran.
In her remarks presented at the UN on Wednesday evening, Sato described the human rights situation in Iran as “worse than ever before.”
Human suffering and repression after the war
Sato noted that while the war between Iran’s regime and Israel has ended, the suffering of the Iranian people continues. Millions have fled their homes, pregnant women lack access to healthcare, and sexual and gender minorities face heightened risks and discrimination.
She added that instead of protecting its people, the Iranian regime responded to the war by launching mass arrests. According to her, more than 21,000 people — including journalists, activists, social media users, and minorities — have been detained in recent months.
The New Espionage Law and a New Wave of Executions
The Special Rapporteur criticized the new espionage law, saying it broadens the range of activities punishable by death, even including contact with foreign media or sharing information online.
She added that in the first ten months of 2025, more than 1,200 people were executed in Iran — an average of four per day — indicating that the regime is carrying out executions on a massive scale.
Sato noted that only 8% of executions are officially reported, and the actual number is likely much higher. She stressed that since 2015, there has been no evidence that the death penalty has any deterrent effect, and it is merely a tool for “control and instilling fear.”
The UN human rights rapporteur also warned that families of victims of the downed Ukrainian flight continue to face harassment and intimidation.
Torture, Amputations, And Deaths in Prisons
Sato’s report also highlights the continued use of torture and corporal punishment in Iran. Flogging, amputation of fingers by guillotine, and coerced confessions under torture still occur in prisons. Moreover, suspicious deaths in detention centers — particularly due to denial of medical treatment — remain deeply concerning.
She said families are often forced into silence or compelled to accept “false causes of death” out of fear of retaliation in order to retrieve their loved ones’ bodies.
The situation of women and the withdrawal of the domestic violence prevention bill
In part of her remarks, Sato noted the official withdrawal of the domestic violence prevention bill in June 2025, calling it a step backward in protecting women.
She also emphasized that although enforcement of compulsory hijab has decreased in some areas, the law remains in place, and under Article 638 of the regime’s so-called Islamic Penal Code, women without hijab still face imprisonment or fines.
Sara Hossain: The attack on Evin Prison and post-war repression may constitute crimes against humanity
At the same session, Sara Hossain, chair of the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, referred to Israel’s June 23 strike on Evin Prison, which killed at least 80 people. She criticized the failure to protect prisoners’ lives and acknowledged that preliminary investigations show that civilian sections of the prison were directly targeted and that the attack may have been deliberate.
She added that after the attack, Iranian regime authorities kept prisoners’ families in the dark for weeks, some detainees were beaten, and at least one woman died after being transferred to Qarchak Prison due to lack of medical care.
Hossain called on Iranian authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the Evin Prison incident and to ensure that those responsible for violations committed before, during, and after the attacks are held accountable.
