New York, NY – Impact Iran, [1] a coalition of international human rights organizations, has recently released a Q&A document outlining the work and significance of the United Nations’ latest Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran [2] investigating alleged human rights violations that took place in the context of nationwide protests that began following news of the custodial death of Jina Mahsa Amini who was arrested by Iran’s “morality police” for her alleged ‘improper’ wearing of her hijab.
The document provides valuable insights into the new investigative mechanism’s work and purpose. It is intended for anyone interested in understanding the mechanism’s mandate and the potential scope of its efforts to address these violations in Iran. It will prove particularly useful for human rights defenders, academics, policymakers, journalists, and researchers.
The document addresses several frequently asked questions about the purpose, purview, and methodology of the investigation and its potential implications for human rights, accountability, and justice in Iran.
The FFM is mandated [3] to investigate and report on serious human rights violations and possible crimes under international law, such as crimes against humanity, that are alleged to have taken place in Iran. It also aims to identify responsible parties for committing these human rights violations and ensure accountability. It is essential to note that the UN Human Rights Council is scheduled to receive its first update from the FFMI at its 53rd Regular Session in July 2023. This update will likely contain crucial insights into the initial steps being taken by the investigative team and its representatives of in pursuit of their mandate.
The Q&A is available on Impact Iran’s website in English [4] and Persian [5]. PDF versions are also available for download in both languages (E [6] / P [7]).