Geneva, 13 January, 2026.- UN human rights experts* today condemned serious human rights violations during nationwide demonstrations in Iran that began on 28 December 2025, and called for immediate action to protect protesters and uphold the right to life.
The protests were initially triggered by severe economic conditions, including record inflation and currency collapse, and have since spread across the country. Protesters are expressing dissent and calling for significant political and governance-related changes.
“The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary arrests – including of children – and attacks on medical facilities represent clear violations of international human rights law,” the experts said, recalling that States must prevent arbitrary deprivation of life and liberty.
They noted that, while Iranian authorities initially appeared to be taking a measured response, the situation has turned violent in recent days. Security forces have reportedly responded with lethal and excessive force, firing directly at largely peaceful protesters using rifles, shotguns loaded with metal pellets, water cannon, tear gas, and physical beatings.
“The use of lethal force may only be used as a last resort when strictly unavoidable to protect life, and must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and precaution,” the experts said.
Reports since 8 January indicate internet shutdown across Iran, with national connectivity flatlining at around 1 per cent of normal levels. Disruptions also include mobile networks, landlines, and GPS interference. The death toll of protesters, including children, has jumped from 36 before the shutdown to hundreds as of 12 January, though accurate figures are difficult to establish. Experts reiterated that all deaths must be investigated promptly, independently and impartially, with accountability where violations are found.
Accounts also indicate raids on hospitals, the use of tear gas inside medical facilities, and attempts to arrest wounded protesters.
More than 2,600 individuals including schoolchildren have reportedly been detained nationwide, many without access to legal counsel or contact with their families.
The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called for harsh action against protesters. President Pezeshkian has described the protesters as “rioters” and “terrorists” and called for a “decisive” response by the security forces. The Head of the Judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, declared no “leniency or tolerance” would be shown, demanding expedited prosecutions and rapid verdicts. The judiciary has also declared that all “rioters” would be tried for moharebeh (enmity against God), a capital offence, contrary to international human rights law.
The experts have received reports of death sentences being issued. “If implemented, this compounds the reported unlawful killings of protesters by security forces on the streets with state-sanctioned executions,” they said.
The experts also expressed serious concern over protesters being labelled as “rioters”, stating that inflammatory language must not be used to suppress or criminalise legitimate demonstrations. They noted that State media have also broadcast “confessions” from detainees in multiple provinces admitting to using force against authorities, thereby reinforcing the State narrative that protesters are dangerous criminals. However, such confessions are widely criticised for being coerced.
“The current demonstrations reflect a broader pattern of mass movement and mobilisation in Iran,” the experts said. Despite the country’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, they warned that domestic law provides little space for voicing dissent. “This has not, however, deterred the people of Iran from continuing to demand their rights,” they said. While the most widely known recent example is the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom movement, 2025 was also marked by protests from truck drivers protests and prisoners. “Even prisoners with extremely limited freedom have continued to demonstrate against the death penalty and deaths in custody,” they said.
“Iranian authorities must adopt a unified approach that respects people’s fundamental right to be heard and addresses their demands for civil, political, economic and cultural rights,” the experts said. “Authorities have a choice between perpetuating cycles of violence and repression that have characterised past responses to dissent or establishing genuine respect for fundamental rights.”
“A functioning civic space is essential for any society,” they said. “People must be able to voice dissent and participate in peaceful protest without fear of reprisals.”
The experts are in contact with Iranian authorities and call for immediate action to prevent further human rights violations.