UN Member States Urged to Address Iran’s Rising Executions

The ongoing increase in executions in Iran has prompted Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International, to call on UN member states to confront Iranian authorities. He raised concerns about the growing “weaponization” of the death penalty, noting that more than 1,000 executions have taken place in the country since the beginning of 2025.

Baoumi highlighted a troubling trend where Iranian authorities are attempting to “normalize” the execution of hundreds of individuals each year. He pointed out that since the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests erupted in 2022, the Iranian government has increasingly resorted to executions as a means of instilling fear, suppressing dissent, and punishing marginalized communities.

Alarming Trends in Executions

The current rate of executions in Iran, averaging approximately four per day, has not been observed since 1989. Amnesty International criticized the use of the death penalty for ambiguous and politically motivated charges, such as “enmity against God” and “corruption on earth.” The organization argues that these charges often do not meet the international legal standards necessary for capital punishment, especially when considering their application alongside drug-related offenses.

Trials resulting in death sentences in Iran are frequently described as “grossly unfair,” often conducted in Revolutionary Courts that lack independence and collaborate with the state’s security and intelligence agencies. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic minorities—including Afghans, Ahwazi Arabs, Baluchis, and Kurdish populations—are disproportionately affected by these executions.

International Obligations and Human Rights Violations

Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which articulates the inherent right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of that right. Article 6(2) stipulates that the death penalty may only be imposed for the most serious crimes and in accordance with the law at the time of the crime. Furthermore, Article 6(4) ensures that anyone sentenced to death has the right to seek pardon or commutation of their sentence.

In September 2024, experts from the UN expressed alarm over the rising number of executions in Iran, stating that this trend represents a significant escalation that contravenes international human rights standards. Iran stands out among only four countries—along with Singapore, China, and Saudi Arabia—that confirmed executions for drug offenses in 2024. Amnesty International reported that the total number of global executions surged to its highest level since 2015.

As the situation unfolds, the international community faces pressing questions about how to effectively respond to Iran’s increasing use of the death penalty and to advocate for the rights of those at risk.