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Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU
Press release
15 September 2023

One year ago, the 22 year old woman Mahsa Amini was killed while in custody of the Iranian morality police. Her death sparked a nationwide movement of women and men calling for the respect, protection and fulfilment of their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The response to this wave of protests by the Iranian authorities was repression causing hundreds of deaths, thousands of unjust detentions and harm. Freedom of opinion and expression and other civic freedoms have been increasingly curtailed. The human rights situation in Iran continues to be critical.

The EU and its member states stand united in urging the Iranian authorities to strictly abide by the principles enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party. We call upon Iran to eliminate, in law and in practice, all forms of systemic discrimination against women and girls in public and private life and to take gender-responsive measures to prevent and ensure protection for women and girls against sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms. The EU believes in and speaks up for fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, including online and offline, and freedom of assembly, which must be respected in all circumstances. A strong and free civil society is essential.

We are appalled by the use of harsh sentences, including the carrying out of capital punishment, against protesters and reiterate our unequivocal opposition to the death penalty at all times, in all places and in all circumstances. Taking into account the worrying increase in executions in Iran over the past year, the EU calls on the Iranian authorities to refrain from any future executions, provide due process to all detainees and pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of capital punishment. The EU also recalls that under international law the prohibition of torture is absolute. There are no reasons, circumstances or exceptions whatsoever that could be invoked as a justification for its use.

Moreover, we call on Iran to implement the relevant international treaties and agreements to which it is a party, to allow free and unhindered access to the country for relevant UN Human Rights Special Procedures mandate holders and to fully cooperate with the independent, international Fact-Finding Mission created by the Human Rights Council. The European Union will continue to demand that the perpetrators of violence and human rights violations be held accountable.

The EU also calls on Iran to immediately cease the unacceptable and unlawful practice of arbitrary detention, including of EU and dual EU-Iranian citizens and to immediately set them free.

The EU and its member states reaffirm their strong support for the fundamental rights of Iranian women and men and their aspirations. As a result, we continue to consider all appropriate options at our disposal to address any issues of concern pertaining to the human rights situation in Iran.