The EU is greatly concerned about the steady deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran following the June 2009 presidential elections. The EU has issues numerous statements calling on Iran to respect the international human rights obligations it has entered into, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

On 21 March 2011, EU Foreign Ministers expressed their alarm at the dramatic increase in executions in recent months and the systematic repression of Iranian citizens, including human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, women's activists, bloggers, persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities and members of the opposition, who face harrassment and arrests for exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

In response to this situation, the Council adopted autonomous EU restrictive measures (an asset freeze and visa ban) on 32 individuals deemed responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.

These measures form part of the EU's dual track policy of sanctioning human rights violations and seeking engagement on human rights where possible. In line with this approach, the EU seeks to support individuals and civil society organisations which stand up for the human rights which all Iranians should enjoy. At the same time, the EU stands ready to discuss human rights issues with the Iranian authorities and to keep channels of communication open.

Between 2002 and 2004, the EU and Iran held four rounds of a bilateral Dialogue on Human Rights allowing for discussion on a comprehensive range of issues. The dialogue was complemented by a round table involving Iranian and EU civil society actors, academics and experts. The Dialogue has been suspended since Iran decided to cancel the 5th round in 2006.

At the multilateral level, the EU has supported the UN General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted on 21 December 2010. The EU-27 also co-sponsored a resolution at the 16th session of the Human Rights Council on 24 March 2010 establishing a UN country rapporteur on Iran.

The EU publishes an Annual Report on Human Rights which provides an overview and assessment of EU action on human rights. The EU Human Rights Guidelinesare also available in Farsi.

The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)

The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) finances projects worldwide. A new, global call for proposals is due to be launched on 15 June 2011 [link once available]. Links to other funding opportunities can be found here [35 KB] .

EU statements regarding Human Rights in Iran.