The Rising Death Toll in Iran: A Potential Crime Against Humanity?
A UN representative has raised the alarm, stating that the death toll in Iran is escalating, and there are calls for investigations into possible crimes against humanity committed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mai Sato, the UN-appointed special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, has estimated that at least 5,000 civilians have been killed by the regime. However, she emphasizes that the true number could be much higher, with reports from doctors inside Iran suggesting a death toll of 20,000 or more.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is considering an emergency meeting to address this situation. The Council has the power to re-establish an independent fact-finding mission to investigate whether Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, should be referred to the International Criminal Court. This is a controversial move, as it could lead to significant consequences for the Iranian leadership.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the United Nations Security Council discussed the Islamic Republic's actions against protesters last week, it suggested that diplomacy and dialogue should be the primary approach. However, human rights groups and NGOs are advocating for a different strategy. They are calling for an emergency session of the Human Rights Council, which operates independently of veto powers held by China and Russia, to address the mass killings of protesters.
The Human Rights Council has the authority to establish investigations and make recommendations to member states, unlike the Security Council. Ms. Sato believes that an emergency session of the Council could be held this week, potentially leading to the continuation of an international fact-finding mission that was initiated after the 2022 Women Life Freedom protests.
"They could be mandated to investigate this latest protest and assess the human rights impact, gathering evidence to hold those responsible accountable," she said.
When asked about the potential for crimes against humanity, Ms. Sato emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. She explained that crimes against humanity are defined as widespread and systematic human rights violations against civilians, including murder, torture, and arbitrary detention. She added that there must be intent and that the evidence she has seen, including videos of security forces firing on unarmed civilians, suggests a serious situation.
Similarly, regarding the possibility of referring Mr. Khamenei and other regime officials to the International Criminal Court, Ms. Sato again stressed the importance of an investigation first. She noted that any potential prosecution for crimes against humanity could take place at the ICC or through the exercise of universal jurisdiction by states.
The ABC has verified videos showing protesters shot in the face and hundreds of bodies outside morgues, evidence of massacres committed by regime forces. The internet blackout has made it challenging to reach Iranians inside the country, but some protesters have managed to connect via Starlink and are calling for international support.
Ms. Sato, who has been investigating the regime's human rights abuses, highlighted that record numbers of executions took place in Iran last year. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group verified at least 1,500 executions until December, with many more believed to have occurred since.
She expressed concern that, despite the communications blackout, the Islamic Republic could continue executions, leading to a potential rise in the death penalty.
"The death penalty in Iran is a serious concern. We must view it not just as a number of executions but as a coercive threat, a way for the regime to control its citizens. We may see an increase in executions," she warned.
The estimated death toll ranges from 5,000 to 20,000, with the Islamic Republic attempting to conceal the mass killings by shutting down the internet and telecommunications. Ms. Sato has seen disturbing videos of injured individuals and reports of families being forced to sign papers identifying their loved ones as paramilitary forces rather than civilians.
In some cases, families are extorted, forced to pay up to $7,000 to retrieve their loved ones' bodies. Videos shared with the ABC show distraught families searching for their relatives, trying to identify them, and mourning beside their lifeless bodies.
The near-total internet blackout in Iran makes it impossible to independently verify the death toll. The latest figures from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) report 4,029 confirmed fatalities and 9,049 fatalities under review. Additionally, at least 5,811 people have sustained severe injuries, and the total number of arrests has risen to 26,015.
Ms. Sato has received similar figures from reports compiled by doctors inside Iran, estimating the death toll at around 16,500, with approximately 330,000 injured. She believes the actual number will be significantly higher once more information becomes available.
There are concerns that Iran's internet blockade could lead to prolonged digital isolation for its citizens. Ms. Sato suggests that the Geneva-based International Telecommunication Union, a UN agency, could be asked to intervene and assist. She proposes that UN member states urge the ITU to make a strong statement about the internet shutdown, which could then lead to countries stepping in to provide necessary connections.
The question remains: Will UN member countries take bold action against Iran's rulers? While Ms. Sato has seen videos of Iranian protesters calling for US intervention, she hopes for multilateral action. Behnam Ben Taleblu, from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran Program, calls for "bold national efforts" to support the Iranian people. He believes that the international community should quickly determine if and how the ICC can prosecute Iranian officials, including Mr. Khamenei and Ali Larijani, who is considered an architect of the crackdown.
Mr. Taleblu urges member states not to rely solely on an international legal process but to follow up on diplomatic efforts. He suggests that the message should be clear: it's time to withdraw the diplomatic red carpet for the Islamic Republic and stand with the Iranian people.
Ms. Sato refrains from predicting the regime's fate but notes that the protests began with merchants expressing dissatisfaction and strong dissent over Iran's economic state. She questions how the regime can continue under such circumstances.
"It's difficult to say. Iran's people have spoken up, not just about the economy but about governance. They're potentially seeking governmental change, and they have the right to do so," she said.
Ms. Sato's reports also examine the regime's "transnational repression," targeting Iranian journalists and activists abroad. She believes this occurs both inside and outside the country and that governments are starting to recognize the seriousness of this repression.
And this is the part most people miss... The situation in Iran is complex and evolving. The potential for crimes against humanity and the role of the international community in holding those responsible accountable are critical issues that demand our attention and action.
