PRINT

EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on human rights in Iran

30.10.2025
New York

30 October 2025, New York – European Union Statement at the United Nations General Assembly 80th Session Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Chair of the Independent International Commission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms Sara Hossain; and with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Mai Sato

 

Chair,

 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. We express our gratitude for the Commission’s work and support for their mandate. The EU also thank the Special Rapporteur for her work. We continue to urge the Iranian authorities to grant her as well as the Fact-Finding Mission immediate and unfettered access to the country.

The EU is deeply concerned about the alarming rate of executions in Iran, averaging three or four executions a day. With more than a thousand executions as of September, the year 2025 is already a new high. The EU unequivocally opposes the use of the death penalty, in all cases and under all circumstances, and urges Iran to pursue a consistent policy towards its abolition. 

Equally troubling is the systematic discrimination against women and girls and persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. 

The EU is gravely concerned by reprisals and continued persecution of dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists, media workers and lawyers in Iran, as well as transnational repression they face, including on EU soil. The use of digital technologies to harass and delegitimize the work of human rights defenders is also of concern.

We note the findings of the report on the restrictions on the right to freedom of opinion and expression and peaceful assembly, including internet shutdowns. The restrictions on freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, opinion and expression are unacceptable. 

The EU demands the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained citizens in Iran, which includes EU citizens. Iran must abide by its international obligations and end the distressing practice of detaining foreign citizens for political gains. 

We call on Iran to fully cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms, including the Independent International Fact Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur, and to implement the recommendations stemming from this year’s Universal Periodic Review. 

 

Madam Special Rapporteur, 

 

How can the EU and international partners best support efforts to secure the release of all arbitrarily detained persons and to prevent future such detentions? 

 

Madam Chair of the Commission,

 

The Commission recommended that the Human Rights Council considers mandating an independent body to follow-up on the mission’s work. Can you elaborate on your recommendation and why this would be needed from your perspective?

 

Thank you.