HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Independent and International Fact Finding Mission in Iran

United Nations Human Rights Council
63^rd Session

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent and International Fact Finding Mission in Iran

21 September 2026

EU statement

Mr (Ms Vice) President, 

The European Union thanks the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran for their report and presentation.

We are here today, because in January Iranian security forces answered the call of peaceful protesters for dignity, freedom, and a better life with lethal force and excessive violence, leading to tens of thousands of arrests and deaths, as well as forced confessions and persecutions under the cover of a months-long nationwide internet shutdown. Since then, internal repression has only increased and the human rights situation remains dire. Accountability for these grave human rights violations is essential.

The EU thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for their important work in collecting testimonies and evidence, and underlines the importance of full and unhindered access. Iranians have the right to choose their own future - we call on the Iranian authorities to finally respect their people’s right to protest and cease the violence and repression against their own people. Human rights must be respected, protected and fulfilled for all.

The EU strongly condemns any use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading punishments, including as a means to suppress internal dissent. The continuous increase of the number of executions is unacceptable and deeply disturbing. In accordance with the EU’s firm and principled opposition to the use of capital punishment in all cases and in all circumstances, we urge Iranian authorities to immediately stop all executions and pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of capital punishment. 

The EU is gravely concerned about harassment and reprisals, notably targeting dissidents, women and girls, lawyers, journalists, persons belonging to religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities and human rights defenders, not least through transnational repression, including on EU soil. In this context we remember the death of Mahsa Amini four years ago in Police Custody. The EU will continue to support Civil Society and Iranian Human Rights Defenders in their essential work.

In light of the gravity of the repression, the EU and its Member States are continuously considering ways and means to respond to this situation and support the Iranian people. Since 2011, the EU has taken targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. The EU included the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran to the EU terrorist list. Just two months ago in July, the EU imposed additional sanctions on six individuals responsible for Human Rights Violations in Iran and we will take further measures to target those responsible for the ongoing human rights violations and repression.

The war has added an additional layer of suffering. We are deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives. Let me therefore close by reiterating our call – in the context of recurrent military escalation – for utmost restraint, and the full respect of international law, including international humanitarian law, notably the protection by all parties of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

Thank you.