A cross-regional coalition of 30 non-governmental organizations and human rights groups has issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations, demanding immediate emergency action to halt what they describe as “horrific mass killings” of protesters in Iran. According to credible reports cited by the coalition, more than 12,000 people have been killed since nationwide demonstrations began on December 28, with thousands more injured, arbitrarily detained, tortured, or forcibly disappeared. Security forces have reportedly targeted journalists, students, women, and minority communities, using live ammunition and enforcing information blackouts that obscure the full scale of abuses.
In a joint letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, and UN Member States, the coalition emphasized that Iran’s actions violate the UN Charter and core international human rights treaties, including protections for the right to life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and due process, and may amount to crimes under international law. The organizations called on the UN to convene emergency sessions of the Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council; publicly condemn the killings; establish independent investigative mechanisms; demand the immediate release of detainees; and ensure sustained monitoring and reporting until the violence ceases.
The coalition stressed that decisive UN leadership is critical at this moment to prevent further repression and bloodshed. They highlighted the importance of protecting the voices of Iranian protesters, who risk their lives for fundamental rights and freedoms, and warned that failure to act would undermine the credibility of the United Nations and embolden continued violations. Signatories include organizations from countries across multiple continents, reflecting widespread international concern over the ongoing crisis in Iran.
